This ‘Wonder Book’, written by Frances Jenkins Olcott, is a collection of over 150 nature myths and tales from all parts of the world, illustrated by Milo Winter. It’s 500 pages provide a vast array of tales, including tales of flowers, fairies, dragons, talking birds, magic waters and enchanted forests, that children can revel and delight in.Winter (1888 – 1956) was best-loved for his animal drawings, and was among the artists working in the later stages of the ‘Golden Age’. His work can be identified from its masterful accuracy, humorous touches, personality, and attention to detail. Winter produced artwork for such well-known tales as Aesop’s Fables, Arabian Nights, Alice in Wonderland, and Gulliver’s Tales. Presented alongside the text, his illustrations further refine and elucidate Olcott’s captivating storytelling. A bit of the Sky fell down one day; It touched a Star and glanced away; A spark from the Star in its breast it bore, And fell to the earth, and was no more. Up sprang from the grass a tiny flower That brightly grew ‘neath sun and shower:- The bit of the Sky in its petals blue, The spark from the Star in its bodom, too. The Star gazed down at its happy lot, And whispered, ‘Dear, forget-me-not!’
