A little girl in red frock and shoes turns her back to the viewer and holds a large illustrated book up to her face. She appears to be standing in front of a low garden wall or possibly a vividly illustrated wallpaper. The sitter's name is Alethea, and she was about four years old when this charming portrait was painted. She was the daughter of the artist and was to become a painter herself. In later years Alethea travelled widely, painting small and vivacious landscapes.

Garstin has captured the scene in broad brushstrokes and added the date and place into the composition.