The Crimson Fairy Book

"The Crimson Fairy Book" by Andrew Lang is a carefully curated selection of enchanting folk tales brought together in the late 1800s. Gathered from Hungarian, Russian, Servian, and other traditions, these stories have been adapted for younger readers. The book centers on amazing journeys, tests of character, and the long-standing fight between right and wrong, often showcasing clever heroes and the failures of those who attempt to trick others. The book begins with an introduction from the editor about the book’s purpose and where the tales come from, revealing that they have been shared by word of mouth for generations. The collection starts with "Lovely Ilonka," a story in which a prince searches for magical reeds, and then finds a beautiful girl; but a trickster disguised as a fake bride interferes, resulting in love, deception, and eventual forgiveness. This tale sets the tone for a series of exciting stories filled with fairy tale wonder with meaningful lessons.