Once There Was a Story

Reach for this collection when you want to bridge the gap between high energy play and a restful night of sleep with stories that feel like a warm hug. It is the perfect choice for the child who is beginning to ask 'why' about the world and needs gentle, bite-sized narratives that explore big ideas like kindness, cleverness, and the beauty of nature without overwhelming their senses. Jane Yolen masterfully curates a world of fables, myths, and animal tales that are short enough for one more story requests while being rich enough to linger in a child's mind. The collection balances whimsical humor with timeless wisdom, making it an excellent tool for building emotional intelligence and vocabulary in children ages 4 to 8. It is a versatile treasury that celebrates the ancient tradition of storytelling in a way that feels fresh and accessible for modern families.