The classic children's collection: four fantastical stories filled with wit and wisdom, humor and heart   In this wonderful collection of fairy tales, John Gardner turns a timeless tradition into a topsy-turvy whirlwind. In the title story, a kindly simpleton unwittingly becomes sovereign of an avian race. A wicked witch seeks a new profession--and, thus, identity--in "The Witch's Wish." In "The Pear Tree," a sweet young boy is rewarded for his good deeds. And "The Gnome and the Dragon" presents a realm so mixed-up not even the reader can distinguish reality from illusion.   With tongue-in-cheek wit and laugh-out-loud humor, Gardner has created a world that will delight readers of all ages.