From Louisa May Alcott to Roald Dahl, Joan Aiken to Catherynne Valente, magical stories for every feeling.

Great stories ignite a child’s imagination and can fill a childhood with unforgettable characters, wondrous places and superb illustrations. They also allow young readers to explore, and to understand, their different feelings and experiences.

In her second compilation for the British Library, children’s author and commentator Anna James delves deep into the collections to present stories for comfort, inspiration and adventure as well as touching tales to make you laugh or sometimes cry.

We will meet mischievous characters from across the globe, sample classic stories from the likes of E. Nesbit, J. M. Barrie and Louisa May Alcott, as well as more recent favorites from some of our best-loved and prizewinning authors.

Superbly illustrated throughout with both beloved illustrations and new archive finds, this spectacular volume belongs on every family bookshelf.