Almost all of the many stories in this book he has himself told at various times before differing audiences of children, young people, and adults—audiences varying from one or two open-eyed listeners in the home, or the little group in the country Sunday-school or wayside schoolhouse, to the large classes and assemblies in high schools, colleges, city libraries, Sunday-schools, churches, and conventions. In many cases children and young people have retold these stories in almost the exact language here given.
The principle on which these stories have been adapted and rewritten is largely that of condensation. There is undoubtedly a certain cultural atmosphere created in the very language and spirit of these fine old tales, but the descriptive adornments often lead to a length that is unattractive to the busy mother or teacher, as well as trying to the strength of mind and memory of the child. Given the real facts, illustrating the moral principle desired to be imparted, the story-teller may elaborate as much as imagination, interest, and time permit. After such an early introduction in childhood to these stories that for unnumbered generations have furnished food to mind, memory, heart, and will, the boy and girl will experience a keener joy in after years when the fuller versions are read in the original or in larger books.
In the preparation of these pages, the author has been favored with the generous counsel, aid, and encouragement of specialists in child psychology, pedagogy, and story-telling, among whom mention must be made especially of Dr. Richard Morse Hodge, of Columbia University, one of whose articles printed in “Religious Education” suggested this work; Dr. Henry F. Cope, Secretary of the Religious Education Association; John L. Alexander, Secondary Division Superintendent of the International Sunday School Association; and my friend, Dr. Irving E. Miller, of Rochester University, and author of “The Psychology of Thinking.” To these, as well as to a host of teachers and principals of public schools, pastors and superintendents in churches, and mothers and fathers in homes, who so graciously permitted experimentation with these stories, gratitude is sincerely expressed.
William J. Sly.
University Park, Denver, Colo.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| PART I. THE ART OF STORY-TELLING | ||
| Page | ||
| I. | Value of Stories | [3] |
| II. | The Periods of Interest in Stories | [16] |
| III. | Types of Stories To Tell | [23] |
| IV. | Practical Suggestions for Story-telling | [36] |
| V. | Games With Stories | [41] |
| VI. | Use of the Ethical Index | [44] |
| PART II. STORIES TO TELL | ||
| I. | Fairy and Wonder Tales | [47] |
| II. | Fables | [66] |
| III. | Folk-tales | [77] |
| IV. | Favorites | [90] |
| V. | Christmas Stories | [108] |
| VI. | Bible Stories From the Old Testament | [115] |
| VII. | Bible Stories From the New Testament | [150] |
| VIII. | General Historical Stories | [182] |
| IX. | American Historical Stories | [200] |
| X. | Heroes of Peace | [233] |
| XI. | Modern Boys and Girls Who Became Useful | [246] |
| ALPHABETICAL LIST OF STORIES | [289] | |
| ETHICAL INDEX OF STORIES | [291] |