First published 2017
This annotated collection resurrects the whimsical stories of American humorist Frank R. Stockton, a writer who crafted fairy tales without the heavy-handed morals that weighed down most children's literature of his era. Stockton's tales feature determined heroines who refuse to accept defeat, ragtag groups of unlikely allies who band together against the odds, and cunning tricksters who outwit their opponents through wit rather than force. His creatures from different worlds learn to collaborate despite their differences. These stories belong to a distinctly American fairy tale tradition that prizes cleverness and cooperation over conventional virtue. Stockton writes in the playful spirit of Carroll's Wonderland, trusting young readers to appreciate humor and wordplay without needing every lesson spelled out. The collection includes comprehensive discussion materials that explore the major themes woven through each tale, making it valuable for educators, reading groups, and students working on essays.
Genres: literary-fiction, 20th-century, american, fantasy, fairy-tales, 19th-century
Vibes: lyrical, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: clever-protagonist, found-family
Period: 19th-Century, 20th-Century
193 pages · Paperback · Independently published