The Usborne Little Book of Bedtime Stories

Written and retold by Philip Hawthorn

Illustrator: Stephen Cartwright, Wikipedia

Year: 2002

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd., London

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 96

ISBN: 978 0 74604 844 0

This book is a collection of seventeen wise old fairy tales and folk tales with a modern twist and cleverly suited-up to be read as bedtime tales. From classics like Princess and the pea to the Giving Tree, the stories in this book are a great way to end the day for little ones.

Excerpt from Button Nose

‘Why, you little beast, there’s nothing here!” said the witch.

In a flash there was nothing of her either. She vanished in a puff of smoke, and in her place sat the king and queen. The magic spell had been broken because the witch had looked at the inside of the apple, which no-one had ever seen before.

Ducking for apples

Text: Lynne Berry

Illustrator: Hiroe Nakata

Year: 2010

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company, New York 

Age: 4 and above

No. of Pages: 28

ISBN: 978 0 80508 935 6

The title “Ducking for Apples” is merely a play on words because the story is about five little ducklings that set out bicycling one fine day and chance upon an apple tree. That means snack, a pie and a cake. :-)

The vibrant watercolor illustrations burst with innocence and gush of energy that only little ones enjoy.

Excerpt

Three little ducks cut fruit in slices,

Mix with sugar, toss with spices.

Two little ducks press sticky dough

Down in the dish where the fruit will go. 

Peter’s Good Idea

Author: Enid Blyton

Year: 2000 (this edition)

Publisher: Grandreams Ltd., London

Age: 5 and above

No. of Pages: 22

ISBN: 978 1 85830 524 1

This classic gem from Enid Blyton, is a story of four town children, Peter, Jane, Tom and Bessie who are at a farm.

While looking to do something useful, they find baskets of apples in the apple-shed with many of them going bad. While the others want to sneak away a few apples to eat, Peter is firmly against it. 

Instead, he has a good idea that he pitches to the grateful Farmer who, in turn, generously rewards Peter and his friends for choosing to be honest.

Excerpt

“Good boy!” said the farmer, “But, my lad, you must have a little reward for your good idea! You and your friends can help yourselves to a couple of apples each, every day. There are enough apples there to feed an army, if they are well sorted out into good and bad – so you help yourselves, and choose the juiciest you can find! Children that are honest and can be trusted deserve to have a reward!”