
audiobook
by Nora Archibald Smith, Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin
A warm invitation to the timeless art of storytelling, this collection gathers gentle tales perfect for both the family hearth and the kindergarten classroom. The opening essay laments the fading of wandering minstrels and celebrates the simple joy of a child’s eager eyes, a mother’s lap, and the hush that signals “once upon a time.” From cheerful birds and clever animals to modest heroes learning kindness, each story is crafted to spark imagination while nurturing good manners.
The anthology offers a varied repertoire—playful adventures like “The Oriole’s Nest,” heartfelt celebrations such as “The First Thanksgiving Day,” and comforting legends like “The Story of Christmas.” Every narrative is designed to be read aloud, inviting listeners to lean in, laugh, and reflect. Ideal for daily reading rituals, these stories encourage little listeners to explore empathy, curiosity, and the wonder of everyday miracles.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (180K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Text file produced by Juliet Sutherland, Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team HTML file produced by David Widger
Release date
2004-06-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1859–1934
Best known for writing and editing books for children, this late-19th- and early-20th-century American author also helped shape early kindergarten education. Her work often blended storytelling with practical ideas about how children learn and grow.
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1856–1923
Best known for creating Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, this American author wrote warm, lively stories for children and adults that still feel inviting today. She also helped pioneer kindergarten education in the United States, bringing the same mix of imagination and care to her work beyond fiction.
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