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Title: The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend (Russian Folktales, Myths, and Legends) by Gennady Spirin, Aaron Shepard ISBN: 0-689-80759-7 Publisher: Atheneum Pub. Date: 01 October, 1997 Format: School & Library Binding Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $17.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.57 (7 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Exquisite artwork by Gennady Spirin of a Russian legend
Comment: The story of the legendary Russian hero Sadko comes from a byliny, an epic ballad, composed by a minstrel during medieval times, although today it is better known as an opera by Rimsky-Korsakova. The story is set in the city of Novgorod, which was on the banks of the River Volkhov on a major trade rout that made it the greatest commercial center of medieval Russia. "The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend," reflects the Russian legend that every river has its own nymph, who is the daughter of the great Sea King into whose water all rivers flow. At the start of this story Sadko is but a simple musician who lives in river port city of Novgorod the Great who spends each day attending the feasts of the city's rich merchants where he plays his 12-string gusli as the guests dance. But while many a fair maiden catches his eye, they all belong to rich families that would never accept a poor musician.
However, one night Sadko's music reaches the ears of the Sea King himself, who had come to the River Volkhov to visit his daughter, Volkhova. The Sea King insists that Sadko must come and play his wonderful music in the great hall of the huge palace beneath the sea. Even if the title of this legend was not "The Sea King's Daughter" you would already have an idea of where this story, retold by Aaron Shepard, is going. However, there is a very interesting twist to the tale and one which provides a nice insight in the Russian character. This is not a predictable story and young readers will be struck by how different it is from the other fairy tales on which they have grown up.
Regardless of what you think of the story, the illustrations by Gennady Spirin are worth picking up this oversized storybook. The front piece claims that these are watercolors, which I find hard to believe, but I am in no position to question the assertion. These are finely detailed illustrations that remind you of some of the most exquisite Renaissance paintings that you have seen, although these are clearly part of the folk art tradition as well (you do not see lobsters wearing armor on their legs in high art). The two-page spreads of the feast in Novgorod and the court of the Sea King are marvelously detailed. My favorite is the painting of the Sea King first appearing to Sadko. The cover painting of the title character is rather subdued in comparison and does not prepare you for the wondrous art you will find inside this book. .
Rating: 5
Summary: Fabulous
Comment: As the mother of 2 adopted Russian children (and one biological), I am working toward putting together a collection of Russian story books that my children will treasure in years to come. The Sea King's Daughter, in addition to being a feast for the eyes, is also rich with history. In the beginning of the book, there is a whole history of Russia and where the story originates. It is fascinating and really gives a depth to the book that is hard to find in other children's fables and fairy tales.
The pictures are so amazing that it really generates discussion when we read it to our 6 year old. She likes to choose her favorite dress in the centerfold!
A delightful book - I would recommend it to anyone that enjoys richly illustrated and different children's books.
Rating: 4
Summary: Beautifully illustrated tale
Comment: This book is a joy to look at, and the pictures will surely capture you child's imaginations. Set in long-ago Russia and the seas beneath, the story follows the brief love affair between a young minstrel and a mermaid. In the end, the young man choses to return to the land above the waves, but the bitter-sweet memory lingers. My 4-year-old mermaid daughter enjoyed it, but the book is probably more suited to slightly older kids and early readers.
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Title: The Tale of the Firebird by Gennadii Spirin, Gennady Spirin, Tatiana Popova ISBN: 0399235841 Publisher: Philomel Books Pub. Date: September, 2002 List Price(USD): $16.99 |
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Title: Kashtanka by Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, Gennady Spirin, Ronald Meyer ISBN: 0152005390 Publisher: Gulliver Books Pub. Date: September, 1995 List Price(USD): $16.00 |
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Title: Little Mermaids and Ugly Ducklings: Favorite Fairy Tales by Gennady Spirin, Hans Christian Andersen, Gennadii Spirin ISBN: 081181954X Publisher: Chronicle Books Pub. Date: July, 2001 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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Title: Once There Was a Tree by Natalia Romanova, Gennady Spirin ISBN: 0140546774 Publisher: Puffin Pub. Date: September, 1992 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: The Christmas Story : From The King James Bible by Gennady Spirin ISBN: 0805052925 Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Inc. Pub. Date: 15 October, 1998 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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