Traditional stories have been told aloud for hundreds of years. Even though they aren’t meant to be taken literally, they stay with us because they share timeless truths about what it means to be human.

This book gathers fifty folktales and parables from many different cultures—Sufi, Zen, Taoist, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, African, and Native American. Even though these stories come from far‑away places and different times, they all share simple truths, gentle humor, and the idea that we can learn from the wisdom of people who lived long ago.

Feathers: A Jewish Tale from Eastern Europe is a beautifully illustrated children's picture book that teaches a timeless lesson about the dangers of gossip.

When two hungry travelers use a "magic" stone to start a soup, they inspire a stingy village to come together and contribute their own ingredients.

The Woman Who Flummoxed the Fairies is a charming Scottish folktale about a clever baker woman who is kidnapped by cake-loving fairies.

In this rhythmic retelling of a classic fable, a hardworking hen discovers that her playful friends would rather nap than help her plant and harvest wheat. However, once the wheat is baked into a delicious cake, the dog, cat, and mouse are eager to join the feast.

When the Sun and the Wind have a competition to see who can make a man remove his coat, they discover that gentle warmth succeeds where brute force fails.

This funny and rhythmic story teaches kids that a change in perspective can make any home feel perfect. It is an ideal read-aloud book for teaching gratitude and the value of a happy, bustling household.

In The Baker's Dozen, a greedy baker in Colonial America learns a tough lesson after trying to cheat his customers. After a mysterious woman curses his shop, he discovers that being fair and kind is the real secret to success.

Using artful prose and dramatic dialogue, Heather Forest transforms complex oral traditions into accessible narratives that explore the human condition and the timeless journey of self-discovery.

This picture book biography tells the story of Meg Lowman, a groundbreaking female scientist called...