little lord fauntleroy is a children's novel by frances hodgson burnett. the story was first published in parts (serialization) in "st. nicholas magazine" between november 1885 and october 1886. it was published in book form by scribner's in 1886. it was illustrated by reginald b. birch. the book has been translated into several languages. the story is about a poor american boy who inherits a great english estate. the story has been made into stage plays, television programs, and movies.