
BY - RUTH SAWYER
ILLUSTRATIONS
Foreword
LEERIE
Chapter I - THE MAN WHO FEARED SLEEP
Chapter II - OLD KING COLE
Chapter III - THE CHANGELING
Chapter IV - FOR THE HONOR OF THE SAN
Chapter V - THE LAST OF THE SURGICAL
Chapter VI - MONSIEUR SATAN
In this gently luminous collection, the author offers a handful of tender yet adventurous tales that shine a quiet light on ordinary lives. From a man who fears the darkness of sleep to a mischievous changeling, each story follows characters who stumble upon unexpected courage, often guided by a soft‑spoken presence reminiscent of a lamplighter’s glow. The opening chapter introduces Peter Brooks, a weary man wrestling with self‑doubt, whose encounter with a kindly doctor sets him on a path toward rediscovering his own worth.
Interwoven with the poet’s own reflections, the stories blend humor, compassion, and a touch of the fantastical, inviting listeners to linger over moments of modest bravery and heartfelt generosity. The narrative voice feels like a warm hearth, sprinkling each vignette with the “extra spice” that transforms daily routine into something worth celebrating. As the collection unfolds, listeners are reminded that even the smallest candle can brighten a room, and that kindness, once shared, can become a lasting source of light.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (327K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net.
Release date
2010-06-24
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1880–1970
Best known for the Newbery Medal-winning Roller Skates, this lively storyteller helped bring folktales, city adventures, and everyday wonder to generations of readers. Her work grew out of a deep love of oral storytelling and children’s imaginative lives.
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