Over the years I've collected far more collections of folktales and fables than I could ever hope to read. Since becoming the father of young twins, however, I've dipped into that collection much more often, reading a story or two to them almost every night at bedtime.

I'm not sure how I overlooked Jane Yolen's Mightier Than the Sword before, but I was happy to find it among my collection of unread volumes. It quickly became a bedtime favorite for the kids.

The title alludes to Yolen's theme in the book, which retells 15 stories emphasizing intelligence, compassion and wit, rather than muscle and an affinity for weapons. Stories are drawn from around the world -- among them China, Angola, Germany, Norway, Russia, the Americas, Burma, Ireland, Hungary, Israel, England, Afghanistan and Finland -- and some might be familiar to someone who has read a few folktales along the way.

There's plenty of action to keep young readers or listeners interested. Illustrations by Raul Colon are sparse -- one per story -- but are highly detailed and add an extra dimension to the stories.

If I have one complaint? The subtitle, "World Folktales for Strong Boys," is intended to counter the old "boy's adventure stories" that were popular a few generations back. Those stories usually emphasized brawn over brain, so I understand the notion Yolen was going for ... but at the same time, I kept hoping my daughter wouldn't notice those words on the cover. Of course she did, eventually, so I had to explain to her that the author didn't really mean that these stories weren't for her, too.

In fact, Yolen was likely aware of this issue, too. In "An Open Letter to Nana," which is signed "Your loving sons and grandson" at the end of the book, the author (are we supposed to believe this wasn't written by Yolen herself?) notes that the book is to "remind us that there are ways to be heroes," and that cleverness and wit can be more vital than weapons or strength. The letter ends: "But girls need to read these tales, too. Because while we know boys using brainpower instead of firepower can be heroes, girls need to know it as well."

Otherwise, this is an excellent volume and is a valuable addition to the bedtime rotation!