
This charming anthology gathers twenty‑four whimsical tales that have delighted generations of children in libraries and story‑hours. Each story is retold with a fresh voice, inviting listeners to step into worlds where emperors pose riddles, clever shepherds devise tricks, and ordinary places hide extraordinary secrets. The opening story introduces a carefree abbot whose tranquil convent catches the eye of a curious emperor, setting off a playful contest of impossible questions.
Beyond the imperial puzzle, the collection offers a kaleidoscope of adventures—talking animals, mischievous sprites, and brave youngsters who outwit giants and solve mysteries with wit and kindness. The narratives are concise yet vivid, perfect for short listening sessions that spark imagination and gentle moral reflection. With lively illustrations imagined in the mind’s eye, these stories invite boys and girls to discover the joy of curiosity and the wonder of a world where anything can happen.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (289K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2010-12-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1859–1923
A pioneer of library storytelling, she helped shape the way stories were shared with children in American libraries. Her own writing carries that same warm, imaginative spirit.
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