Tucked-In Tales (1924) by Patten Beard, illustrated by Clarence Biers, is a charming and nostalgic collection of bedtime stories for children, embodying the cozy, whimsical spirit of early 20th-century American children’s literature. The book features gentle, imaginative tales designed to lull young listeners to sleep, often revolving around anthropomorphic animals, fairy-tale adventures, and soothing moral lessons.
Biers’ illustrations—warm, detailed, and softly expressive—complement Beard’s storytelling with a Norman Rockwell-esque Americana style. His artwork captures the innocence and wonder of childhood, filled with rosy-cheeked children, friendly woodland creatures, and idyllic domestic scenes. The book’s aesthetic reflects the 1920s golden age of illustrated children’s books, akin to works by Jessie Willcox Smith or Johnny Gruelle (Raggedy Ann).
For Fans of Tucked-In Tales, Explore:
- When We Were Very Young (A.A. Milne, illus. E.H. Shepard) – Similar cozy, rhythmic bedtime verses.
- The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh – For more gentle, character-driven stories.
- The Velveteen Rabbit (Margery Williams, illus. William Nicholson) – A timeless tale of love and magic.
A sweet relic of vintage bedtime stories
