When an ogress kills a man's two brothers, he sets out to find out what happened. Though beginning with this frightening premise, the tale "Tritill, Litill, and the Birds" teaches readers not about defeating an ogress, but about the benefits of being kind to those in need. This and other stories introduce readers to more traditional fairy tales that don't always end happily. Full-color images and illustrations draw readers into a world of dark fantasy as The Sprightly Tailer, The Ogre of Rashoman, and The Gifts of the Little People demonstrate the skill and imagination needed to tell a good tale.