These little plays—well-known stories done into dialogue—were written for children who like to imagine themselves living with their favorite characters in forest, in palace, or in fairyland.

It is hoped that you will enjoy these old friends in their new dress almost as well as you loved them in the old. When you read the words of bird or tree or prince or child, try to speak with the voice and manner which you think that character would use. Thus you will make the reading a joy to yourselves and a great satisfaction to your hearers.

To try to put oneself in the place of another is very good training for the imagination. It also teaches us to be more kind to others and to all living creatures. We learn that most persons are striving to do better and to be better, and we grow in understanding and sympathy.

May these little plays help you to the enjoyment of the great dramas which you will read when you are older.

FLORENCE HOLBROOK