This book delves into the oral traditions of Rhodesia, Uganda, and the American Indians; the tranditons of the Punjab and of Jutland; and such familiar European sources as Hans Christian Andersen (The Ugly Duckling) and Madame d'Aulnoy (The White Doe). But it is not important that the lad climbing the tree to a cloud kingdom is an Indian broave rather than Jack, or that the giant-killer Makoma is African. The events are familiar favorites with children the world over.

This collection contains 33 stories, all narrated in the clear, lively prose for which Lang was famous.