While living in Russia, Tolstoy operated a tiny school for the peasant children, where they could learn to read, write, and draw. He found that there were a lack of folktales and fables to read to the children so he created his own, which are now brought together in this beautifully illustrated collection. From The Lion and the Puppy, a story about friendship, to The King of the Shirt, a parable about obtaining happiness, to Escape of the Dancing Bear, about a bear who is trained to be captured, these stories are sure to captivate and delight children of all ages. Similar in scope to Aesop s fables, children will be able to take away important lessons, as well as laugh at silly mishaps and characters, from this timeless collection. Ages 9-12.