The Young and Field Literary Readers, Book 2

In Short

This book is a curated anthology of traditional fairy tales, animal fables, and nature-themed poetry from across the globe. By gathering stories from Norse, German, French, Hindu, and American Indian traditions alongside works by poets like Robert Louis Stevenson and Christina Rossetti, it provides a comprehensive literary foundation for developing readers. The collection remains a vital touchstone because it honors the oral tradition of storytelling—tales told by mothers to children—while gently introducing young audiences to complex themes of courage, kindness, and consequence through engaging, rhythmic, and imaginative prose.

The Story

The collection unfolds as a vast, interconnected landscape of lessons and adventures. We begin with the harrowing quest of Childe Rowland, who ventures into the dark, hidden realm of the elves to rescue his sister, Princess Ellen, and his brothers. His journey tests his resolve, forcing him to choose between selfish hunger and the greater duty of family. This theme of testing character continues through the clever, rhythmic battle of wits in the English tale of "Tom Tit Tot," where a queen must unmask a mischievous, tail-twirling spirit to save herself from an impossible bargain.

Moving beyond human trials, the book delves into the animal kingdom. Fables from Aesop and Russian traditions reveal the perils of pride and the necessity of humility. We see the wolf learn that selfishness often leads to disaster, while the timid hare discovers that panic is a poor counselor compared to a steady, truth-seeking gaze. These creatures often interact with human themes, such as the Little Pine Tree, which craves gold leaves only to find that such vanity invites destruction, or the fox who loses his beautiful tail because he values superficial vanity over survival.

The narrative arc expands to encompass the mysterious and the mythic. In the Norse tale "East of the Sun and West of the Moon," a young girl’s curiosity leads to heartbreak, yet her resilience carries her through immense trials to reunite with a prince trapped in an enchanted bear's skin. We encounter the American Indian legend of Little Scar-Face, a girl who, through hard work and a pure heart, overcomes the cruelty of her sisters to find beauty and belonging. Similarly, the myth of the Water Lily transforms a star’s longing for human connection into a floral blossom, bridging the gap between the celestial and the earthly.

The collection concludes by grounding the reader in the cyclical rhythms of the world. Through poems that observe the movement of clouds like sheep in a pasture or the cozy, firelit lore of "Ghost Fairies" in a chimney, the book brings the reader back to the hearth. It leaves us with a sense of wonder, where the stars are lambs in a celestial meadow, and the everyday world is infused with the wisdom of the myths that came before.

How It Unfolds

The call to adventure The book opens with an invitation to engage with ancient tales that have traveled from far across the sea. These stories are presented as a shared inheritance, intended to be spoken aloud and held close.

The test of the hero Childe Rowland ventures into the dark hall of the elf king, proving his bravery by refusing food and drink until his siblings are set free. This establishes a pattern of moral testing that defines the collection's folklore.

The wisdom of the creatures Fables follow, showing the folly of the wolf who loses his catch and the fox who refuses to lose a few hairs to save his tail. These tales provide sharp, economical lessons on the dangers of greed and the wisdom of letting go.

The transformation of the spirit In myths like "Little Scar-Face," the narrative shifts from simple fables to deeper emotional journeys. Character is rewarded not by luck, but by acts of service and a steadfast refusal to yield to despair.

The celestial return The final sections blend nature myths with gentle poetry, showing the stars descending to become water lilies or clouds becoming sheep. The book ends by folding the reader back into the quiet comfort of home and sleep.

The People

Childe Rowland is the quintessential seeker; he acts with purposeful intent, ignoring the temptations of the elf king to prioritize his family’s freedom. He stands in stark contrast to the fox in the ice, whose fixation on his own appearance makes him a captive to his own vanity. The fox loses his tail not out of necessity, but out of a stubborn refusal to sacrifice the trivial for the essential.

Princess Ellen and the unnamed girl in the Norse tale represent the endurance of the spirit. Ellen remains courageous in her golden chair, waiting for rescue, while the woodcutter’s daughter suffers for her moment of human curiosity. She is transformed by her journey, moving from an innocent girl to someone who understands the power of patience and truth.

The timid hare serves as a mirror for the reader’s own fears. Initially paralyzed by the rumor that "the earth is falling in," the hare eventually learns, through the gentle guidance of the lion, to investigate the truth for herself. The hunter who forgets his wampum represents the final stage of life, where the pursuit of material wealth gives way to peace and the simple, quiet wisdom of the natural world.

In Its Own Voice

"Not a bit will I bite, / Not a drop will I drink, / Till Ellen is free."

Childe Rowland refuses the elf king’s hospitality, showing that a hero’s commitment to his cause outweighs his own physical needs.

"I don't want those grapes," he said. / "They are sour grapes. I know they are sour. They are not fit to eat."

The fox rationalizes his failure in the classic Aesop fable, demonstrating how easily we dismiss what we cannot attain.

"We are swift because / We have work to do; / But hold up your face, / And we'll kiss you true."

The snowflakes speak to the reader in a poem by Mary Mapes Dodge, framing natural phenomena as purposeful and kind.

What It's Really About

At its core, this collection explores the tension between individual desire and the demands of the world. It asks how one navigates a reality that is often indifferent—or even hostile—without losing one’s integrity. The stories argue that true strength is found in service rather than self-interest; whether it is the mouse gnawing a ribbon to free the magic stone or the girl washing the prince’s coat, the characters succeed when they act for the benefit of others. It is an argument for humility, suggesting that the most meaningful things in life are often found when we stop chasing the impossible and instead attend to the duties and wonders right in front of us.

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate the clean, rhythmic storytelling of the early twentieth century will find this volume deeply satisfying. It feels like a quiet evening by a fire, offering a rhythm that is both nostalgic and bracingly direct. The language is precise, avoiding the cluttered sentimentality of much contemporary children's literature, and the focus remains firmly on the weight of a character's choices.

Those sensitive to period attitudes should be prepared for the stern moralizing common in school readers of that era. Some tales, like those involving the "elf king" or "witches," carry a stark, often violent edge that does not shy away from the harsh realities of folklore. However, these difficulties provide a valuable contrast to modern stories; they treat the reader as capable of understanding hard truths about consequence and loss. You will stay with the vivid imagery—the "eyes of fire," the "rainbow sled string," and the "white snowflakes" that kiss the cheek—long after the book is closed. It is a perfect choice for anyone looking to reconnect with the foundational stories that have shaped generations, and its blend of poetry and prose offers a varied, contemplative reading experience that feels both educational and profoundly human.