he Parent's Assistant is the first collection of children's stories by Maria Edgeworth, published by Joseph Johnson in 1796. The first edition (Part I) had five stories: Lazy Lawrence, Tarlton, The Little Dog Trusty, The Orange Man and 'The False Key. 'Barring Out was included in the second edition of Part I published the same year. In later editions more material was added, most notably, The Purple Jar, and a play for children, Old Poz.
