Wonderful and insightful stories of moral lessons. Great instructional value for children and as entertaining as fairy tales. But these are stories about real life. Nice to know that you can share these stories, poems and fables as a way of continuing bedtime stories for older kids. The brief comments that Mr. Bennett introduces each story or poem with are helpful. Leave this book out where kids can read it by themselves too, and you may be surprised to find them read it on their own. Don't overlook the companion volume to this book. It's even better than the first. I would recommend all of William Bennett's books. I also recommend Hendrik Van Loon's History and Geography that he wrote for his nephews. These were written in the 1930's and are full of information you may not find elsewhere. They are very interesting for adults too.

When I was little, Catholic school (in 2nd grade) taught these virtues right along with academics. Decades later, when I had children of my own, I was fortunate enough to find a great series (animated) called "Adventures from the Book of Virtues which helped me teach them personal morals. Finally, when I had grandchildren, I realized that the television series had been based on this book, and I was lucky to find a copy. Now, my 4th-grader reads aloud to me 1/2 hour a day so that he can improve his reading skills -- and learn a few important lessons about character while doing so. Buy a copy if you have young children or grandchildren. It's a wonderful compilation of short stories and poems that is timeless...

Great condition and great price for this out of print item. Thanks for helping me stock my kids' library with remembered favorites.

i was familiar with the book and recommended it years ago to a person that grew up in an impoverished environment. It is a good source of those tales that underlay our culture. The price and condition of the book I received was good.