Status
Available
Collection
Publication
Dial (1990), Edition: 1st American ed, 25 pages
Description
A retelling of the traditional Russian tale in which a lazy fool catches an enchanted fish which promises him that every wish he ever makes will come true.
Local notes
School Library Journal, 10/31/1990
K-Gr 4-- An magic fish that is willing to grant Ivan's every wish enables the lazy young man to outwit his older brothers, angry villagers, and even the Tsar, ultimately winning him an enchanted palace and the Tsar's daughter in marriage. Based upon a traditional Russian folktale collected by Alexander Afanasyev in the 19th century, this competent translation captures the flavor of Tsarist Russia and the contrast between the social classes. The brevity and simplicity of the folktale allows Spirin to create an elaborate world in which such fantasy seems probable. Executed in what appears to be a combination of watercolor and ink, thefull-page paintings seem influenced by the style of Brueghel and the minutia of European illuminated manuscripts. The dark palette and highly realistic detailing of the illustrations make for arresting art, but it will probably appeal more to adults than to children. Libraries able to maintain large folklore collections or those with a special interest in Soviet art will best appreciate this visually intriguing work. --Denise Anton Wright, Library Book Selection Service, Inc., Bloomington, IL
K-Gr 4-- An magic fish that is willing to grant Ivan's every wish enables the lazy young man to outwit his older brothers, angry villagers, and even the Tsar, ultimately winning him an enchanted palace and the Tsar's daughter in marriage. Based upon a traditional Russian folktale collected by Alexander Afanasyev in the 19th century, this competent translation captures the flavor of Tsarist Russia and the contrast between the social classes. The brevity and simplicity of the folktale allows Spirin to create an elaborate world in which such fantasy seems probable. Executed in what appears to be a combination of watercolor and ink, thefull-page paintings seem influenced by the style of Brueghel and the minutia of European illuminated manuscripts. The dark palette and highly realistic detailing of the illustrations make for arresting art, but it will probably appeal more to adults than to children. Libraries able to maintain large folklore collections or those with a special interest in Soviet art will best appreciate this visually intriguing work. --Denise Anton Wright, Library Book Selection Service, Inc., Bloomington, IL
Awards
NCTE Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K—Grade 6 (10th Edition: 1988-1992)