Fiona Macdonald studied history at Cambridge University and at the University of East Anglia, both in England. She has taught adult education, and in schools and universities, and is the author of numerous books for children on historical topics.

Alida Massari is an Italian artist, specializing in children's illustration and stationery. She studied illustration at the European Institute for Design.

The tales are brought to life with Alida Massari's wonderful original artwork and retold in a manner that will engage very young readers and instill in them a love for storytelling, the power of imagination, and the past. Perfect for bedtime reading! The stories included are:
- The Snow Queen
- The Ugly Duckling
- The Little Mermaid
- The Showman
- The Match Girl
- The Greedy Goblin
- Wild Swans