Neary all the stories in my Short Story Gallery are appropriate for young teenagers and older. (The few exceptions - in the "Too Scary for Words" section - are clearly marked "Rated PG". And even those might work for around a campfire, or at Halloween.)

   But this section is, as its title states, "For the Younger Reader". These are lighter in nature, and shorter in length than most of my other stories and adaptations.

   L. Frank Baum, of 'Wizard of Oz' fame, is represented, as well as Carlo Colladi, Johnny Gruelle, and Aesop. Film makers such as Walt Disney and Guillermo del Toro also did versions.

   They're fun to read to youngsters - and could be a good starting place for them to start reading on their own.

From classic tales of princesses to modern tales of magic, these are truly fantastic flights of fancy. Famous storytellers from Aesop to the Grimm brothers to Hans Christian Andersen have gathered them. Filmmakers like Walt Disney and Pixar have brought them to life.

These great folk stories from around the world are filled with lessons for all - and they're fun to read as well. Famous storytellers from Aesop to the Grimm brothers to Hans Christian Andersen have gathered them. Filmmakers like Walt Disney and Pixar have brought them to life.

People have always had a connection with animals. Sometimes as friends and companions, sometimes as adversaries. Sometimes in tense situations, sometimes in humorous ways. But always in great stories. 

Journey to the wild frontier with some classic western stories, tales of courage, adventure, and justice set against the backdrop of the American West. Even on the wild frontier, there was time for some lighter moments, and some of them. Several of these stories have been made into movies with stars like John Wayne and Gary Cooper. Saddle up for some thrilling reads!

Explore the future, distant galaxies, and scientific wonders with these captivating science fiction stories. Discover groundbreaking technologies and thought-provoking ideas that challenge the boundaries of reality.

Most of these stories are examples of the science fiction genre called 'space opera'. So they are tales written in the last century, predicting what things will be like in the next century - and beyond.

The 'science' is mostly outdated; but as 'fiction', they're great fun. I hope you'll enjoy them on that basis.

Ready for a chuckle? These funny stories are packed with tales that bring a smile to your face and brighten your day. Explore whimsical characters and hilarious situations that will keep you entertained.

Tales of sports and athletes. Most of these stories are about team sports. Some are humorous, and some show how tough it can be out on the field or the court. Baseball, football, basketball, hockey - and a few surprises.

There are many different kinds of racing, featuring humans, animals, and machines. 

Brace yourself for chills and thrills with these scary stories. From ghostly encounters to psychological horrors, these tales are designed to send shivers down your spine and keep you on the edge of your seat. Edgar Allan Poe and Charles Dickens are represented, of course. Most of the stories are just right for reading around a campfire, or at Halloween parties. But a few are really scary scary, and I've marked them 'Rated PG'. You've been warned!