Rootagaga Stories

Children’s Books

Rootabaga Stories gathers Carl Sandburg’s classic bedtime tales into a single, illustrated hardcover that parents and nostalgic readers reach for again and again. Originally spun for his own daughters, these rhythmic American fairy tales live halfway between nursery rhyme and short story, making the book a cozy read-aloud for ages 4-8 yet quirky enough to charm teens and adults.

This vintage 1989 edition keeps the collection’s playful language and whimsical place names intact across 179 crisp, unmarked pages. The sturdy binding shows no lean or dog-ears, and every illustration remains bright, so the imaginary village of Rootabaga feels as fresh as the day it was printed.

A previous owner wrote a brief gift note on the front endpaper; otherwise the interior is clean and tight. The original dust jacket has edge chips and small tears typical of shelf life, but it still protects the illustrated boards and looks handsome on a nightstand or collector’s shelf.

For lovers of Sandburg, American folklore, or vintage picture books, this inscribed copy offers a tangible piece of literary history ready for bedtime sharing or display.