The stories published in five volumes, are compiled and interpreted by Ven. Kurunegoda Piyatissa and retold by Todd Anderson (Vols. 1 and 2) and Stephan Hillyer Levitt (Vols. 3,4 and 5). The stories are drawn from ancient Pali and Sinhalese sources, and have been adapted for a modern audience while preserving the original moral and ethical teachings.

These stories have been used for centuries in Buddhist education and sermons to teach important values such as compassion, generosity, honesty, and the dangers of greed and craving. They cover a wide range of themes and characters, from princes and kings to animals and mythical beings. They have also influenced literature, art, and architecture across various cultures.

The Buddhist Tales for Young and Old series provides a rich collection of stories that can help readers of all ages develop moral and ethical values, as well as a deeper understanding of Buddhist teachings and philosophy. The combination of engaging narratives and beautiful illustrations (volumes 1 and 2) makes these books a valuable resource for both personal and educational purposes.