The Water-Babies, a Fairy Tale for a Land Baby by Charles Kingsley

After drowning in a river, a young chimney sweep named Tom is transformed into a water-baby and embarks on a magical journey through an underwater world. Guided by whimsical creatures and moral lessons, he learns humility, kindness, and the importance of growth. The plot blends fantasy, satire, and Victorian values, offering both entertainment and instruction. Along the way, Tom encounters figures who personify different virtues and vices. It’s a curious, imaginative fable about transformation and redemption.