These fifteen wonder tales, though original, successfully convey the time-honored flavor of the traditional fairy story. The writing is fresh and lighthearted and combines fact and fantasy in a most beguiling way.

Among the delightful characters waiting to greet young readers are:

Mia and her Auntie Frog who was always blowing herself up big.

Dr. Bobtail, the forest doctor, who was cousin to the Hare in the Moon.

Cocorico the farmer's son, who found his way into Out of this World and brought back the missing barley harvest.

Fosterling the Faun who rescued the sun and Senorita Serenita's ruby ring from inside the iron wolf.

Benito, the poor boy, whose snakeskin shoes enable him to carry off the kidnaped Infanta Esperanta Esterella Isabella from his step-brother and the will-o-the-wisps in Ireland.

Lunette, the runaway princess, who was so foolish and yet so brave and who with the help of a mole, a mouse and a queen bee saved a kingdom.

King Beetle-Tamer, whose love for all small creatures freed a captive princess.

These unusual stories, illustrated with humor, charm and imagination by Anne Marie Jauss, are sure to join the ranks for firm fairy tale favorites.