The tales chosen for this book share the Vietnamese five great virtues: Nhan (Compassion), Le (Rituals), Nghia (Righteousness), Tri (Wisdom), and Tin (Trust). The author notes that her parents used traditional stories to teach children values and morals. Now the author, who is a story teller, uses the same tales to help Vietnamese children learn their traditional culture and values.

The legend of Banh Cung and Banh Day -- Mai An Tiem and the watermelon seeds -- The legend of the Mai flwer -- Whey one shouldn't sweep the house on Tet Nguyen Dan -- Le Loi and the magic sword -- The Celestial King Phu Dong and the Iron Horse -- Son Tinh and thuy Tinh -- the Mountain Lord and the Sea Lord -- The story of Tam and Cam -- The story of Thach Sanh and Ly Thong -- Da Trang and the magic pearl -- Why the sea is salty -- The legend of the mosquito -- Why ducks sleep on one leg -- Mr. Cuoi under the Banyan tree -- The jade rabbit.