Just like other European nations, the Czechs have a?treasure trove of fairytales that has been lovingly handed down over the centuries. Some of these tales seem strange and exotic to us, while others have more familiar features. Thanks to the labours of Božena Němcová (1820-1862) and Karel Jaromír Erben (1811-1870), these stories from the oral tradition were collected and written down for posterity. Growing up along the Vltava means growing up with the stories of?The Devil and Kate, Fire Bird and Red Fox or The Princess with the Golden Star on her Forehead. This collection aims to give the reader a taste of a vital piece of?national culture, and to enchant young listeners with the magic of those thrilling words: "Once Upon a Time..."