
This volume invites listeners into a world where birds are more than feathered creatures—they are characters in the stories children have told for centuries. Rather than a dry field guide, the author gathers ancient fables, cultural nicknames, and the playful superstitions that have linked humans to their avian companions since the dawn of myth. The text celebrates the imagination that shaped our view of robins, swallows, and owls, reminding us why poets and youngsters alike have long been enchanted by winged wonders.
The book is richly illustrated, each picture echoing the whimsical tone of the prose. Early chapters recount creation tales in which birds carve rivers and lakes with their beaks, and introduce a proud woodpecker who refuses to join the communal work, preferring her sparkling plumage instead. Listeners will enjoy the gentle humor and lyrical language that make these age‑old fantasies feel fresh, offering both a nostalgic journey and a delightful listening experience for anyone who loves birds and folklore.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (209K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell, Julia Miller and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2005-06-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1871–1927
A Boston-born writer of stories, verse, and books for young readers, she had a gift for mixing warmth, imagination, and quiet humor. Her work ranged from children's classics to poems and essays that helped make her a familiar literary voice in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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