What does a father do when a little one has trouble falling asleep? He tells a story.From this simple idea-and from the author's own experience with his young son-come these tales meant to be read aloud, though they can also be enjoyed in silence, offering their own benefits.Written by a father who is already the author of several essays, the thirteen stories in this book are not just simple entertainment. Drawing on tradition, they aim to educate and to pass on values such as courage, freedom, sacrifice, respect, responsibility, and the meaning of work.So alongside kings and queens, dragons, and the whole fairy-tale world, we also find blacksmiths, fishermen, charcoal burners, and miners. A way to help children drift off to sleep while also giving them something meaningful to take with them. A blend of entertainment and-using a word that has faded a bit-wisdom.A book that moms and dads will enjoy, too.