Book excerpt: The book comprises three tales written in "classical" verse (i.e., strict rhythms and rhyme.) Although in the form of fairy tales and fables, they deal with important social and historic issues. "A Tale of Dancing Chair" decries racial discrimination and expounds the idea that, regardless of outside help, success comes to those who don't shy away from hard work, are willing and able to use creative potential to the fullest, and stand up to bigotry, injustice, and unfair judgement. "A Tale of Captive Puffins . . ." reflects upon events in the history of Russian/Soviet Jewry in the twentieth Century. To recognize historic prototypes of the fable's characters, one should read up on history of Tsarist Russia and Soviet Union, Weimar and Nazi Germany. However, it is not a prerequisite: the Tale is intended to trigger reader's interest in those chapters of history. "A Tale of Boy Nightingale . . . " is intended to make dents in prejudices against unconventional" (gay and lesbian) families. It proclaims love, respect, and loyalty as traits identifying and holding together families, asserts that friendship between children from different families is greatest hope and strongest weapon in the struggle against prejudices still prevalent in society.