This is a collection of ten stories fairy stories from around the world. From Africa to America to Europe and other countries, this short mix of tales are those which are not as well known as many others. All the stories contain some magical element to them, whether it is fairies or elves. Some of them are just stories, but others do a moral and a lesson for children to learn. Whether it is how the wasp got it’s waist, the boy trying to build a canoe to the poor farmer and his ill wife, each one is a little slice of magic that stands alone.

Each story is neatly laid out with it’s name, where it has come from, and finally an illustration at the start of each story. The artwork is done in a stunning green effect, which suits the theme of the book and all follow in the same style. Each tale is very short and concise, ideal for bed time stories, and the language used in each is simple allowing for anyone to be able to follow them. I didn’t notice and grammar or spelling issues, even with adapting stories from so many cultures. The only downside to some of the stories is that they are very short indeed, some are only a few hundred words long to tell its tale and you wonder if there was the opportunity to try and expand them a little.

What I did appreciate is that these were tales I had never heard of before. I have seen some which are close adaptations and similar to other tales I have heard or read. But having a new set of tales, at least for me, is an enjoyable wonder. I would hope that anyone picking up would not know all the stories, and even if you did, they are still well adapted for easy reading to children.

Overall, this is an enjoyable set of tales, certainly worth picking up for a child’s bedtime read and providing a little bit of wonder and magic in their lives.