Ballads and Bedtime Stories--a collection of song lyrics and short stories you might keep on your nightstand.

Standing on the shoulders of giants like Aesop and Dr. Seuss, Michael Dustin Youree seeks to shine a light Where the Sidewalk Ends and bring The Velveteen Rabbit to life.

With these poems and tales, he hopes to inspire the Charlie and Alice in all of us, as we taste the chocolates of wonder. The golden ticket of life is already yours. These words are merely magic beans.

Gazing at the heavens, that dreamer in him whispers to the one in you: "Look for the Easter eggs."




Ballads and Bedtime Stories present nine extraordinarily unique tales you'll want to consider again and again. Snoozing Suzy and the Stew is a moment of whimsy with a surprise. Lullaby is a loving embrace sent across separation. Allegory of the Maze is a pledge to live your best life even in difficulty. Allegory of the Caveman presents a parable on the pursuit of knowledge. O Captain (Part 2) is contemplation on our fears. Wily Johnny's Journey to Space is a playful treatise on adventure. And 3 more.