Description: Presented here are sixteen Gypsy folktales as well as proverbs and sayings, tha are written for young people. Some of these are stories the author learned whe the Gypsies traveled through her Iowa hometown during the Great Depression; some are Welsh Gypsy tales of that time period.

These stories take place in palaces and humble cottages, but also on the open road, where the Gypsy traditionally felt most at home. The characters are often surrounded by enchantment and sometimes deal in magic. Meet Clever Marco, who is outwitted by his own cunning; encounter a bird who defeats a fox and lion, by knowing "there is great strength in weakness"; see Sikri, the Gypsy girl who is trapped at the gates of time weaving upon a starry loom; read about Magda who lures unwary travelers into traps with her evil eye; laugh at foolish Noodle who gets tricked out of his clothes; and admire Piccolo who, though not appreciated for his God-given gift of dance, learn to appreciate himself. With evil queens, devils, "Foolish Jack" stories, Welsh black dogs, "green man" tales, and escapes from the supernatural, The Fish Bride makes the Gypsy outlook on life come alive.

Included in the book is an introduction detailing the sources of the stories, and the Gypsy heritage. Each tale is set into context by an author's note.

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