The stories, previously printed in magazines such as Blackie's Children's Annual, are typical of Nesbit's arch, ironic, clever fantasies for children. The twelve stories: "The Cat-hood of Maurice" - a boy abuses the family cat, and learns to see things from the feline point of view. "The Mixed Mine" - two boys find a magic spyglass, and use it to make their fortunes. "Accidental Magic" - Quentin falls asleep on the altarstone at Stonehenge, and wakes in Atlantis. "The Princess and the Hedge-pig" - King Ozymandias and Queen Eliza plan a secret christening for their Princess Ozyliza, to avoid a wicked fairy's curse. Things go awry. "Septimus Septimusson" - he is the seventh son of a seventh son, who can see fairies and hear the beasts speak; and he must seek his fortune. "The White Cat" - a boy finds a china ornament in the attic; it proves to be a magic talisman. "Belinda and Bellamant" - they are a princess and prince suffering curses; a talking bat helps resolve their problems. "Justnowland" - Elsie visits a magic land of giant crows, and a dragon. "The Related Muff" - a sensitive boy, dismissed as a "muff" by his cousins, proves himself a hero in a crisis. "The Aunt and Amabel" - a girl enters a magic world through a wardrobe. "Kenneth and the Carp" - unjustly accused, a boy transforms into a fish and redeems his honor. "The Magician's Heart" - an evil magician distributes curses at royal christenings. Complications ensue.