Grandparents are story tellers. Early-day lessons are learned while listening in their laps . . . in the rocking chairs . . . by the winter fireplaces . . . on the summer porches. These pages just pass on some tales my grandparents, uncles, aunts, and others of their generation told. And a few of mine. The tales were sent one at a time via e-mail to my children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends scattered from Texas to California, Canada, Virginia, and Florida. As the yarns were received and read, the readers responded, provided critical comments, and helped compose a book of remembrances for those yet to come. There may have been some enhancement in the lore and spiel of those who came before me. There might be a wee stretch in some of my contributions. But mostly this is the way it was.

In every story in the Fast Fox, Slow Dog series, chickens in jeopardy are saved by Slow Dog from Fast Fox in a variety of hilarious ways. The Storytime Giants series presents large-format versions of stories by well-known authors.

Joseph Malin loves his grandmother’s fried fish, which she makes according to an old family recipe. It’s so good, he thinks he might be able to make some money from it; money that his immigrant Jewish family desperately needs. He takes it into the marketplace of 19th Century London’s East End and calls out to passers-by: ‘Fresh from the ships, Hot n’ tasty fried fish'. Before long, people are coming from far and wide to try the delicious snack. But his success inspires a rival. Annette, the greengrocer across the street, sees an opportunity to hawk her own family favourite: Belgian-style fried potatoes. “Piping hot chips!”/So crisp, so delish”, she calls. And they’re a hit too. The competition between Joseph and Annette heats up as they try to outsell each other at the market. And then one day… crash! The two collide. Chips slip. Fish fly. It’s a disaster. Or perhaps not… This is the playful, fictional account of how the real-life Joseph Malin, a poor Jewish immigrant, invented fish and chips, the iconic British fish and chips dish.

Maurice offers the last chocolate cookie to an alien, with bizarre results.

These uplifting stories share true accounts of some extra special cats and reminds us that even the smallest creatures can have the biggest impact on our lives. Whether you're a cat owner or simply appreciate the magic of these adorable creatures, this book is sure to warm your heart and remind you of the power of their love and companionship.

Mr. Chips and all his adventures; and what Mr. Chips taught me.

Plain Tales, Chiefly Intended for the Use of Charity Schools is a collection of accessible and engaging stories crafted to serve as both moral instruction and entertainment for young readers. Although the author is anonymous, the work reflects a deep commitment to education and ethical guidance through storytelling. This collection is designed with the primary goal of educating and inspiring children, particularly those in charity schools. The tales are straightforward and didactic, offering clear moral lessons on values such as honesty, kindness, and perseverance. Each story is crafted to be easily understood by young readers while providing examples of virtuous behavior and the consequences of moral choices. The narratives in Plain Tales are presented in a simple and direct style, making them suitable for readers of varying ages and backgrounds. The stories often feature relatable characters and everyday situations, making the moral lessons practical and memorable. Plain Tales, Chiefly Intended for the Use of Charity Schools is a valuable resource for educators and parents seeking to instill positive values in children. Its blend of moral instruction and engaging storytelling makes it a meaningful addition to any collection aimed at fostering good character and ethical understanding in young readers.