When Mother takes the Fairy Book
— And we curl up to hear,
'Tis " All aboard for Fairyland! "
— Which seems to be so near.

For soon we reach the pleasant place
— Of Once Upon a Time,
Where birdies sing the hour of day,
— And flowers talk in rhyme;

Where Bobby is a velvet Prince,
— And where I am a Queen;
Where one can talk with animals,
— And walk about unseen;

Where Little People live in nuts,
— And ride on butterflies,
And wonders kindly come to pass
— Before your very eyes;

Where candy grows on every bush,
— And playthings on the trees,
And visitors pick basketfuls
— As often as they please.

It is the nicest time of day —
— Though Bedtime is so near, —
When Mother takes the Fairy Book
— And we curl up to hear.