The article considers a possible influence of J. P. Hebel's works on Leo Tolstoy's stories for children. The author compares and contrasts the two writer's approaches to their genre of choice: the didactic, and entertaining literature. Noted are matching plots used by both, as well as stylistic and narrative differences. The scholar elaborates on the extent to which Tolstoy was familiar with Hebel's works and examines Tolstoy's ‘stories for children' in comparison with the religious and moralistic ‘stories for the people' he produced in later life. His works for younger audiences could have only resulted from Tolstoy's artistic assimilation of Hebel's experience. They are viewed as a sequel to the Treasure Chest of the Family Friend from the Rhine [Schatzkastlein des rheinischen Hausfreundes] inspired by Russian realia. The article describes the ways in which Tolstoy further developed the traditions of the ‘calendar/almanac stories.' Hebel's Russia-themed works are analysed in the context of Russo-German literary ties since the German writer followed Russian events with keen interest.