The result of a collaboration between acclaimed writer Neil Gaiman and talented illustrator Charles Vess is an original and unusual book that will awaken children's curiosity and fascinate grown-ups. It's a long poem in the form of a book of illustrations that let us travel safely to the heart of traditional fairy tales. These stories contain lots of rules that the hero must obey, as well as risks, riddles, and dangers to confront. This poem helps would-be heroes prepare to overcome the dangers they'll face and reach the goal that inspired their journey. To take their journey, they'll have to leave their home, castle, or village and set off on an adventure. This book makes the reader into a character who learns all they need to know to insert themselves into the popular stories.