This is retelling of about twenty old old stories some of which you've heard many times, and others which you haven't heard before. The author, Sophia Lyon Fahs, has a very idealistic purpose in mind. She wants to show us how we can draw great inspiration from other cultures and other times. Of course, the kids won't be too bothered by this high-minded sense of purpose. They'll just enjoy hearing or reading these stories.
One story you'll never forget is "The Mustard Seed Medicine." It begins with heart-breaking sadness, then restores your soul. It's one of those unhappy stories that becomes a happy one in spite of the tragedy.
I first read this book as an adult and loved it. Later, I read it to my young daughter as a series of bedtime stories. Each night, she chose the story she wanted to hear. And, she asked to hear many of them over again on other nights.
By the way, Fahs lived over one hundred years and died in the late 70's. Her book was orginally written as a Sunday School book for Unitarians. It was very popular from the 30s to the 60s and never forgotten.