In this collection of stories from around the world, each tale is newly retold. There are funny stories and clever stories, sad stories and strange stories, each one reflecting the country from which it comes. The book begins with Anansi the spider, tricking his friends and winning, as usual; and ends with a woodcutter being lured away and lost forever in a jungle. In between, there are stories about princesses, cats, frogs; about heroes, kings, and thieves. Robin Hood and Ned Kelly have their adventures, and there is a Cinderella story from North America. Michael Harrison and Christopher Stuart-Clark have edited and written many best-selling books. The illustrations are by various artists, and have been commissioned specially for this book.