Stories

Late and dark, one summer midnight, the doorbell rang, one solitary “DING-DONG“. Upstairs I sat alone glancing through the ever-so-sophisticated pages of a children’s picture book. The audible jarring of the electronically simulated bell and hammer sent my mind reeling to determine my reaction. Perplexed by the lateness of the hour, I arose to my…

—– The Story of the Four Little Children Who Went Round the World by Edward Lear —–   —–   —– Once upon a time, a long while ago, there were four little people whose names were                             and they all thought…

This is taken from Mrs. Clifford’s Very Short Stories and Verses For Children, first published in 1886. It has a moral, yes, like much of Victorian children’s literature. It also has a bit of soul and sentiment. I enjoyed it and I hope you do too. –Sam —–   —–   —– The Bad Girl…

Mr. Johnson and the Selfish Mole by Kayla Conrad, illustrated by Zach Franzen   There once was a man who lived in the country; his name was Mr. Johnson. Mr. Johnson’s house was a humble abode made all of white bricks and nestled comfortably at the edge of a tangled greenwood forest. The roof sloped…

Sunshine Stories by Hans Christian Anderson, illustrated by Edna F. Hart   “I am going to tell a story,” said the Wind. “I beg your pardon,” said the Rain, “but now it is my turn. Have you not been howling round the corner this long time, as hard as ever you could?” “Is this the…

This story may be found in Indiana native son James Baldwin’s Fifty Famous Stories Retold, which also included The Sword of Damocles. While Damocles’ tale focused on envy, this one seems to be about how to make your father-in-law regret making insane proclamations. So, if you ever need some inspiration along those lines, kids, look…

Editor’s Note: Most of our SW Shorts are geared (very) roughly toward ages 7-12. Today’s tale is more in the YA demo. Yay. Awesome. -Sam     —–   —–   —– “Burn” by Helena Sorensen “Hush, Sim! Wait.” Abner hissed. He stopped, and the three stood silent, their eyes searching for some break in…

Red Bird’s Song by Glenn McCarty, illustrated by Aedan Peterson Deep in the jungle, high in a tree, lived a small red bird. More than anything, Red Bird loved to sing. From the first light of dawn to the last light of dusk, her songs filled the air. They drew turtle from his shell, urged…

Awaiting the Beautiful by Hannah Hubin, illustrated by Gigi Cowherd Once upon a time, in a land not too far away (that is, depending upon where you are standing at the moment), an old, faded house sat at the very edge of an old and rather faded town. Can you see it? I will help…

Last year, Alan Howell shared a post called Encouraging the Why. In it he introduced us to “Pourqoui Tales.” Why so? He was kind enough to pass along some of these he made up for his small children. These might be fun to share with your youngest children and may spark some of your own…