Fairy Prince and Other Stories

A lively nine‑year‑old narrator invites listeners into a bustling household where Thanksgiving and the promise of Christmas intertwine. The family’s quirky traditions—bud‑ding the Christmas tree, an elaborate feast of soups, pies, and gold‑paper bonbons—set a warm, slightly chaotic scene. Amid the chatter, the arrival of a mysterious young guest from Cuba, Derry Willard, adds a fresh spark of excitement.

Derry’s wide‑eyed stare at the narrator’s sister Rosalee hints at budding adolescent curiosity, while the children’s playful banter about gardens and gifts fills the air with humor. Suddenly, a sudden slam in the shed and a dramatic opening door reveal a spruce tree that seems to glow with its own magic, prompting laughter and wonder. The moment feels like the first page of a fairy tale, promising more enchantment to come.

The story’s tone balances nostalgic family recollections with a whimsical, almost mythic quality, drawing listeners into a world where ordinary holidays conceal extraordinary possibilities. It’s a charming entry point to a collection of imaginative tales that linger long after the final page.