And now, mamma, while your tea brews, we have a request, the eager children exclaimed in unison. Tell us a story—a real, truly fairy tale filled with a giant and a dwarf, a plethora of fairies, a valiant prince, and a stunning princess with hair cascading to her feet. We want a champion wielding a magic sword, a fearsome dragon-chariot, a witch clad in snake-skin, and, if possible, an ogre. Just remember, no punishment for anyone but the witch and the ogre; lets skip the moral and let everyone live in peace and die in a pot of grease at the end. The wise eldest child of nine chimed in, We know most of your stories by heart, dear mamma. If only you could weave some new tales that arent found in our books! Or perhaps share something you once heard from your nurse, and then embellish it. Whatever story you choose, we know well love it! With that, the mother pondered, and the result is this delightful collection of enchanting tales, crafted anew for children beyond her own. (Summary by Constance Cary Harrison in her Introduction).