The Governess, or The Little Female Academy, written by Sarah Fielding in 1749, holds the distinction of being the first full-length novel specifically crafted for children, making it a seminal work in the history of children's literature. The novel revolves around a boarding school for young girls, where each day is marked by the reading of a story or portion thereof to the students. These readings serve as a foundation for Mrs. Teachum, the school's headmistress, to impart valuable moral lessons to her charges.