Reece’s Vintage Tales

Reece’s Vintage Tales is the compilation of twelve short stories, or tales, all written for the recommended “tween-teen” ages (9-13). Each story has a unique plot, and even with their shorter lengths, some have a type of moral to learn. At least three of the twelve stories in this book have Christian undertones; most of them are very obvious. The author, N. Reece Ho-Sheffield, has also included a short glossary at the end of each story to help the reader with uncommon words that are present. For the reader, not only will they be able to enjoy multiple short stories, but they will have a word reference on hand to increase their vocabulary, as well as the chance to continue growing their spiritual knowledge as well.

The first story is about a man who started out very poor as a garment-maker; he practiced his craft continuously and excelled to the level of working with the king, at the expense of his family. When we lose sight of the right path we should be taking in our lives, the most unlikely of people can appear to remind us whom we are really working for in the world. The next story is about a prince who is constantly reminded of how perfect he appears on the outside and could get any wife he desires. Feeling frustrated with this news, he pulls an Aladdin and disguises himself in the marketplace to find the perfect woman; it doesn’t take long to find her, but thanks to his arrogance, he risks not having the time he needs to seal the deal. In another time, there are moon-babes who are called to Earth to help the citizens in our America, their “Land of the Beautiful,” during a national crisis. The moon-babes try to warn the citizens that there is no hope, there is only one person—God—who can prevent the impending crisis. In still another story, a mustard seed finds its way in the middle of many mulberry trees. Being full-grown, the mulberries believe they are the strongest and best, but little mustard seed knows the promise from his creator, that it is mightier than those trees will ever be. And still next, is the story of an old woodcutter and his wife, both poor and childless. Through the luck of a rainbow, they gain two rainbow babies who bless them in all ways in their lives.

The stories in this book are all fictitious, but all of them can help us as readers to better ourselves, either in our own lives or through the lives of others. Even with a recommended reading age of 9-13, I would recommend this book to readers of all ages, especially those who wish to stay young at heart.