Children's Classics Series

In this collection of beautifully written modern fairy tales Oscar Wilde does not fail to both entertain with humorous characters and witty dialogue and at the same time deliver a subtle yet very potent message about some of the most human qualities such as true friendship, true happiness, selfishness, ignorance, playfulness and love. Some of the most famous epigrams of Oscar Wilde come from the characters in these tales. This volume includes: The Happy Prince, The Nightingale And the Rose, The Selfish Giant, The Devoted Friend, The Remarkable Rocket.

Once upon a time there was a wood-mouse, and her name was Mrs. Tittlemouse. She lived in a bank under a hedge. Such a funny house! There were yards and yards of sandy passages, leading to storerooms and nut-cellars and seed-cellars, all amongst the roots of the hedge.

Gulliver’s adventure in Lilliput begins when he wakes after his shipwreck to find himself bound by innumerable tiny threads and addressed by tiny captors who are in awe of him but fiercely protective of their kingdom. They are not afraid to use violence against Gulliver, though their arrows are little more than pinpricks. But overall, they are hospitable, risking famine in their land by feeding Gulliver, who consumes more food than a thousand Lilliputians combined could. Gulliver is taken into the capital city by a vast wagon the Lilliputians have specially built. He is presented to the emperor, who is entertained by Gulliver, just as Gulliver is flattered by the attention of royalty.

The Return of Tarzan is a novel written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the second in his series of books about the title character Tarzan. The ape man, feeling rootless in the wake of his noble sacrifice of his prospects of wedding Jane Porter, leaves America for Europe to visit his friend Paul d'Arnot. On the ship he becomes embroiled in the affairs of Countess Olga de Coude, her husband, Count Raoul de Coude, and two shady characters attempting to prey on them, Nikolas Rokoff and his henchman Alexis.

"Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi is a timeless children's classic that follows the adventures of a mischievous wooden puppet brought to life by the kind-hearted toymaker, Geppetto. The puppet, named Pinocchio, desires to become a real boy and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Along the way, he faces a series of trials, tempted by dishonesty and indulgence, which lead to humorous and often perilous situations. Through encounters with cunning foxes, a wicked puppeteer, and a giant shark, Pinocchio learns valuable lessons about honesty, responsibility, and the consequences of his actions. Geppetto's unwavering love and Pinocchio's willingness to change eventually lead to his transformation into a real boy, celebrating the triumph of virtue and the power of love in this enchanting and enduring tale.

Once upon a time there was a little fat comfortable grey squirrel, called Timmy Tiptoes. He had a nest thatched with leaves in the top of a tall tree; and he had a little squirrel wife called Goody. Every day they made several journeys and picked quantities of nuts. They carried them away in bags, and stored them in several hollow stumps near the tree where they had built their nest.

Once upon a time there was a little girl called Lucie, who lived at a farm called Little-town. She was a good little girl—only she was always losing her pocket-handkerchiefs! One day little Lucie came into the farm-yard crying—oh, she did cry so! I’ve lost my pocket-handkin! Three handkins and a pinny! Have you seen them, Tabby Kitten?

In "Beauty and the Beast and Other Tales," Charles Perrault weaves a magical tapestry of stories that explore themes of bravery, transformation, and love's redemptive power. From the iconic story of Beauty, whose kindness transforms the Beast into a prince, to tales filled with cunning cats and sinister wolves, Perrault's collection spans the spectrum of human emotion and imagination. These tales, rich in moral and aesthetic beauty, have enchanted readers for centuries, proving that true beauty lies within.

"Veronica and Other Friends" by Johanna Spyri is a collection of heartwarming tales that capture the essence of friendship, compassion, and the wonders of childhood. Through the adventures of Veronica and her diverse group of friends, Spyri explores themes of kindness, understanding, and the joy that blossoms from shared experiences. Each story unfolds in the picturesque Swiss countryside, providing a charming backdrop to the timeless lessons of camaraderie and the simple pleasures that shape lasting connections. Spyri's storytelling invites readers into a world where the bonds of friendship are cherished and celebrated, leaving a lasting imprint on both young and adult hearts alike.

"The Owl and the Pussy-Cat" by Edward Lear is a charming narrative poem that sails off into the realms of love and adventure. In this delightful tale, an unlikely pair—the elegant Owl and the beautiful Pussy-Cat—set out on a sea journey in their "beautiful pea-green boat," armed with honey, plenty of money, and a map. Their voyage to the land where the Bong-tree grows leads to a whimsical wedding officiated by a Turkey. Edward Lear's timeless poem celebrates the joy of companionship, whimsy, and the boundless possibilities of the imagination.

Moni, a young goat boy in the Swiss Alps, lives a simple and content life with his grandfather. Their days are filled with tending to the goats, exploring nature, and embracing the beauty of the mountains. Moni's genuine and carefree spirit, combined with the wisdom of his grandfather, creates a heartwarming story of simplicity, joy, and the bonds of family in the picturesque setting of the Alpine landscape.

"Rico and Wiseli" by Johanna Spyri is a poignant tale that delves into the lives of two orphaned siblings, Rico and Wiseli, as they navigate the challenges of life. Set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps, the story unfolds with themes of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of love. As Rico, the older brother, takes on the responsibility of caring for Wiseli, their journey becomes a testament to the strength of familial bonds. Spyri weaves a narrative that explores the innate goodness of the human spirit, emphasizing the importance of compassion and support in overcoming adversity. Through heartfelt moments and enduring characters, "Rico and Wiseli" captures the essence of hope, showcasing the triumph of the human spirit in the face of life's trials.

Tarzan, one of the best-known literary characters in the world. He was only an infant, when his mother died of natural causes and his father was killed by Kerchak, leader of the ape tribe by whom Tarzan was adopted. Tarzan's tribe of apes is known as the Mangani, Great Apes of a species unknown to science. Kala is his ape mother. An archetypal feral child raised in the African jungles, he later experiences civilization only to largely reject it and return to the wild as a heroic adventurer.

When Benjamin Bunny grew up, he married his Cousin Flopsy. They had a large family, and they were very improvident and cheerful. I do not remember the separate names of their children; they were generally called the Flopsy Bunnies.

Gulliver sets out as captain of a ship, but after the mutiny of his crew and a long confinement in his cabin, he arrives in an unknown land. This land is populated by Houyhnhnms, rational-thinking horses who rule, and by Yahoos, brutish humanlike creatures who serve the Houyhnhnms. Gulliver sets about learning their language, and when he can speak he narrates his voyages to them and explains the constitution of England. He is treated with great courtesy and kindness by the horses and is enlightened by his many conversations with them and by his exposure to their noble culture.

Eight-year-old Princess Irene lives a lonely life in a castle in a wild, desolate, mountainous kingdom, with only her nursemaid, Lootie for company. Her father the king is normally absent attending to affairs of state, and her mother is dead. Irene has never known about the existence of the goblins which lurk in the underground mines but her nursemaid Lootie does know about them.

Listen to the story of Jemima Puddle-duck, who was annoyed because the farmer's wife would not let her hatch her own eggs.

Tales of Mother Goose feature some of the best known fairy tales including: Blue Beard, Little Thumb, Puss in Boots, Riquet with the Tuft, The Fairy, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, The Sleeping Beauty.

Princess Irene and her father go to Gwyntystorm, while Curdie stays at home with his mother and father. As the years go by, Curdie begins to hunt for pleasure. He also slowly begins to doubt Irene's story of her great-great grandmother. One day, he shoots down a white pigeon. Curdie then remembers Irene's tale of her grandmother's pigeons, assumes the one he has shot down was one of them, and becomes aware of his folly. A light appears at the roof of the castle, and Curdie follows it. There, Curdie meets the old Princess, who appears small and withered, contrary to Irene's descriptions.

Oscar Wilde's is most famous for his satirical plays which he wrote at the time of great literary enlightenment, when all Britons were able to embrace literature previously only available to the wealthy and educated. At the height of the prosperity sweeping through London in the Victorian Era Oscar Wilde also wrote many tales offering rich and dramatic portrayals of the human life and condition. This volume of Oscar Wild tales includes: The Model Millionaire, The Star-Child, The Sphinx Without a Secret.

One morning a little rabbit sat on a bank. He pricked his ears and listened to the trit-trot, trit-trot of a pony. A gig was coming along the road; it was driven by Mr. McGregor, and beside him sat Mrs. McGregor in her best bonnet. As soon as they had passed, little Benjamin Bunny slid down into the road, and set off—with a hop, skip, and a jump—to call upon his relations, who lived in the wood at the back of Mr. McGregor's garden.

"The Jumblies and Other Nonsense Verses" by Edward Lear is a delightful collection that dances on the whimsical edges of imagination. In it, the titular "Jumblies" embark on an improbable sea voyage in a sieve, capturing the spirit of adventure and the joy of the absurd. Through limericks, quirky characters, and fantastical tales, Lear's verses play with language and rhythm, enchanting readers of all ages. This compilation celebrates the nonsensical, proving that sometimes, the most profound truths are found where logic ends and laughter begins.

After staying in England with his wife and family for two months, Gulliver undertakes his next sea voyage, which takes him to a land of giants called Brobdingnag. Here, a field worker discovers him. The farmer initially treats him as little more than an animal, keeping him for amusement. The farmer eventually sells Gulliver to the queen, who makes him a courtly diversion and is entertained by his musical talents. Social life is easy for Gulliver after his discovery by the court, but not particularly enjoyable. Gulliver is often repulsed by the physicality of the Brobdingnagians, whose ordinary flaws are many times magnified by their huge size.

"Heidi" by Johanna Spyri is a heartwarming tale that follows the life of a young orphan, Heidi, who is sent to live with her reclusive grandfather in the Swiss Alps. Through the healing power of nature, the pure-hearted Heidi brings joy not only to her grandfather but also to those around her. The story beautifully captures the essence of innocence, friendship, and the transformative influence of the mountains, making it a timeless classic for readers of all ages.

An iconic collection of fairy tales from the master of storytelling Charles Perrault including some of his best work: Little Red Riding-Hood, The Sleeping Beauty, Puss in Boots, Little Thumb, Cinderella, Blue Beard.

In "What Sami Sings with the Birds," Johanna Spyri weaves a heartwarming tale set against the enchanting Swiss landscape. The story follows Sami, a village boy with a unique gift—he can communicate with birds. Sami's extraordinary ability leads to adventures that reveal the deep connection between humans, nature, and the magical realm of feathered companions. With themes of harmony, understanding, and the joy of simplicity, Spyri crafts a delightful narrative celebrating the intrinsic bonds between the natural world and the human spirit.

Gulliver sets sail again and, after an attack by pirates, ends up in Laputa, where a floating island inhabited by theoreticians and academics oppresses the land below, called Balnibarbi. The scientific research undertaken in Laputa and in Balnibarbi seems totally inane and impractical, and its residents too appear wholly out of touch with reality. Taking a short side trip to Glubbdubdrib, Gulliver is able to witness the conjuring up of figures from history, such as Julius Caesar and other military leaders, whom he finds much less impressive than in books. After visiting the Luggnaggians and the Struldbrugs, the latter of which are senile immortals who prove that age does not bring wisdom, he is able to sail to Japan and from there back to England.

Robinsons are weathering a great storm in the sailing ship. The ship runs aground on a reef, and the family learns the ship's crew has taken to a lifeboat and abandoned them. Subsequent searches for the crew yield no trace. The ship survives the night, and the family finds themselves within sight of a tropical island. The ship's cargo of livestock, dogs, guns and powder, carpentry tools, books,, and provisions have survived. The family builds a raft, lashes livestock and the most valuable supplies to it, and paddles to the island, where they set up a temporary shelter.

This is a Tale about a tail—a tail that belonged to a little red squirrel, and his name was Nutkin. He had a brother called Twinkleberry, and a great many cousins: they lived in a wood at the edge of a lake.

"Erick and Sally" by Johanna Spyri revolves around the endearing friendship between Erick, a cheerful boy, and Sally, a lively girl. Set in the idyllic Swiss countryside, their adventures unfold as they explore the wonders of nature and experience the joys of camaraderie. Spyri's narrative beautifully captures the innocence and curiosity of childhood, weaving a tale that celebrates the simple pleasures of life. Through the bond between Erick and Sally, the story emphasizes the importance of friendship, imagination, and the timeless enchantment found in the everyday moments of youth. As they navigate the landscapes of friendship, the characters discover the magic that lies in shared laughter, discovery, and the warmth of genuine companionship. "Erick and Sally" is a heartwarming narrative that resonates with readers of all ages, inviting them to rediscover the enchantment of childhood friendships.