Tales of Folk and Fairies

These are the stories that generations of children have leaned close to hear, retold with a poet's ear and a storyteller's instinct for what lingers. Katharine Pyle gathered folk tales from distant lands and breathing new life into them, creating a collection that feels both ancient and startlingly fresh. The centerpiece is the tale of Ashipattle, a youngest son dismissed by his six older brothers, who finds himself the only one brave enough to face the monstrous Meester Stoorworm threatening the kingdom. What follows is a rousing adventure of wit and courage, where the boy who told tales of trolls and giants must now become the hero of one. Other stories drift from Scotland to distant shores, each one carrying that particular fairy tale magic where the overlooked are destined for greatness and kindness, against all odds, wins. This is a book for readers who still believe that the smallest person can change the course of the kingdom, and that stories hold more power than swords.