Anthologies are always hit and miss, and this collection has a pretty high ratio of good stories to bad. My stand-out favorites from the 19 stories were:

1. Jackalope Wives - I love the mix of folklore from the American Southwest and traditional fairy tale patterns. Ursula Vernon nails the children's bedtime story tone, but in true folk story style, it's got mature themes to explore, too.
2. The Pauper Prince and the Eucalyptus Jinn - The longest story in the collection is well worth the read. It's a bit of a melancholic mystery story that spirals out of control into a metaphysics in the best, most-beautiful way imaginable.
3. The Duck - This one is short and cute. And sometimes a guy just wants to read a short love story with a happy ending.
4. The Husband Stitch - I enjoyed this retelling of "The Velvet Ribbon" story. This version focuses on the relationship between the ribbon-wearer and her husband to really hit on themes of secrecy and trust between lovers. Add in some breaking of the fourth-wall, and it's an experience.
5. The Cartographer Wasps and the Anarchist Bees - Political allegory aside, the story setting of bee and wasp kingdoms stands out strong.

Other stories left me more or less flat, and I found one notably unenjoyable, "The Tallest Doll in New York City."