Stairway to the Stars: An Inspirational Folk Tale

by David E McAdams

Overview

Stairway to the Stars

An Inspirational Folk Tale

By David E. McAdams

"To the stars," said Tomison.

"And now that you know you can?"

Tomison smiled. "I will go back. And teach others how to walk."

In the gentle village of Lester, where mountains sleep and the wind speaks through tall trees, lives a boy with a dream bigger than the sky. Tomison doesn't wish to fly or ride upon clouds. He wants to walk to the stars on his own two feet.

With a bundle of barley and shoes made of straw, he sets off at dawn, guided by the voice of an ancient obelisk and the hush of a world alive with secret magic. Along the way, Tomison meets a stag that speaks, a staircase made of light, and the stinging shame of failure. But he climbs again. And again. Because the stars, he learns, reward the stubborn.

Written in the timeless voice of folklore and the musical rhythm of poetry, Stairway to the Stars is a luminous tale of resilience, humility, and courage. Ideal for children ages 6 and up, but just as powerful for adults, this story invites readers to believe in impossible journeys and to leave invisible steps behind for others to follow.

Perfect for:

• Readers who love beautifully written folk tales
• Families seeking meaningful bedtime stories
• Classrooms exploring character education and perseverance
• Anyone who's ever dreamed of reaching the stars

Features:

• Poetic, lyrical prose that reads aloud like a lullaby
• A message of quiet bravery and tenacity
• A memorable character whose journey will stay with readers
• A mythic, nature-rich setting full of wonder and gentle mystery

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781632708045
Publisher:	Life Is a Story Problem LLC
Publication date:	08/08/2025
Series:	Inspirational Books for Children
Edition description:	Large Print
Pages:	20
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.25(d)
Age Range:	3 - 6 Years

About the Author

David E. McAdams is a storyteller, educator and lifelong explorer of ideas. With a career that spans decades in mathematics education and a deep love for writing, David has authored a wide array of books that blend learning with imagination. His work ranges from playful puzzle collections for young children to detailed explorations of mathematical constants, vocabulary guides and interactive learning resources-all designed to open doors to discovery.

David's journey began in the classroom, where he spent time teaching high school math and discovering a truth that would guide his work ever after: children learn best when they're engaged, curious and having fun. Over time, he noticed a critical gap in math education-students were struggling not just with concepts, but with the language of math itself. That insight led him to create All Math Words Dictionary, a comprehensive and kid-friendly resource to strengthen math vocabulary and improve comprehension.

But David didn't stop there. He began to write math-inspired books for young readers, books that delight as they teach. In One Penny, Two, a magical penny-doubling story unfolds with charm and wit. In What Is Bigger Than Anything?, children are introduced to the mind-stretching idea of infinity. His My Favorite Fractals and Geometric Nets Project Books invite children to explore patterns, numbers and geometry in tangible, joyful ways.

David's books are often playful, poetic and themed with real-world wonder: dinosaurs, fairy tales, space, stuffed animals, hide-and-seek, even swing sets. Each story or puzzle is crafted not only to teach, but to spark imagination. His recent projects include a collection of hundreds of math puzzles for six-year-olds and a themed series that blends math with everything kids love: ice cream cones, treasure hunts, magic tricks and more.

His work has been translated into several languages, including Bengali, making his joyful approach to learning accessible to even more children around the world. Whether he's counting stars or exploring the digits of Pi, David brings a deep sense of care and curiosity to every page.

Now retired from teaching, David enjoys gardening and the creative joy of writing. He continues to write daily, constantly dreaming up new ways to help children see the beauty of math, the power of language and the magic of asking, "What if?"