By Charles Perrault There was once in a distant country a King and Queen whose only sorrow was that they had no children. At last the Queen gave birth to a little daughter and the King showed his joy by giving a christening feast so...
One summer’s day a little Tailor sat on his table by the window in the best of spirits and sewed for dear life. As he was sitting thus a peasant woman came down the street, calling out: “Good jam to sell! good jam to sell!”...
By Charles Perrault There was once a man who had fine houses, both in town and country, a deal of silver and gold plate, embroidered furniture, and coaches gilded all over with gold. But this man was so unlucky as to have a blue beard,...
Retold by Joseph Jacobs In the days of the great Prince Arthur, there lived a mighty magician, named Merlin, the most learned and skillful enchanter the world has ever seen. This famous magician, who could take any form he pleased, was travelling about as a...
Retold by Joseph Jacobs In the reign of the famous King Arthur there lived in Cornwall a lad named Jack, who was a boy of a bold temper and took delight in hearing or reading of conjurers, giants, and fairies; and used to listen eagerly...
By Charles Perrault A miller, dying, divided all his property between his three children. This was very easy, as he had nothing to leave but his mill, his ass, and his cat; so he made no will, and called in no lawyer. The eldest son...
By Robert Southey Once upon a time there were three Bears, who lived together in a house of their own in a wood. One of them was a Little, Small, Wee Bear; and one was a Middle-sized Bear, and the other was a Great, Huge...
By Charles Perrault Once upon a time there lived in a certain village a little country girl, the prettiest creature ever seen. Her mother was very fond of her, and her grandmother doted on her still more. This good woman had made for her a...
By Hans Christian Andersen The following remark was made in a poet’s room, as the speaker looked at the inkstand that stood upon his table: “It is marvelous all that can come out of that ink-stand! What will it produce next? Yes, it is marvelous!”...
By Hans Christian Andersen There was once a darning needle, who thought herself so fine, she imagined she was an embroidery needle. “Take care, and mind you hold me tight!” she said to the Fingers that took her out. “Don’t let me fall! If I...