Most criticisms directed at basal reader stories concern the unreal characters which tend to depict only middle-class families and use unreal language patterns. However, such criticisms do not get to the core of the problem. A comparison of stories from basal readers with some famous folk tales illustrates how the here-and-now stories from basal readers fail to stimulate children's imaginations. The folk tale is unique in eliciting fanciful interpretation from children and adults because it is read at the level appropriate for the reader or listener. It permits self-discovery by allowing the reader or listener to look inside himself and allows the child to raise questions about himself and his own future. In contrast, the here-and-now stories from basal readers leave no room for the imagination. They lack life and passion and are too concerned about other children. (NS)