LOUKAS AND THE GAME OF CHANCE

A wealthy man discovers the consequences of selfishness and the possibility of redemption in a middle-grade fantasy inspired by Greek folktales.

Loukas, a considerate boy with a gift for music, lives on an island in the Aegean Sea. His father is a fisherman who teaches his son his trade. Loukas brings his wooden flute to play while they fish. One day, Loukas’ music catches the attention of a leopard snake who stops to listen to it. The nonvenomous snake shows its gratitude by leaving three gold coins as it slithers away. Loukas befriends the snake, whom he names Lambros, and the friendship leads to good fortune for his family. As an adult, Loukas marries a seamstress named Thera, with whom he has two children, Sophie and Petros. He has selfish desires, however, after he meets a malicious merchant, and he loses his family and fortune to the man. Bereft, Loukas embarks on a perilous journey to find the “celestial guardians,” Destiny, her son, Ilion, and her daughter, Luna, and to appeal to them for the return of his family. Manna, the author of The Orphan: A Cinderella Story From Greece (2011), tells a lyrical story of bravery and redemption anchored by a courageous and resilient protagonist. The fast-paced narrative centers on Loukas, whose character is shaped early by the dedication and kindness he shows to a snake who finds great pleasure and comfort in his music. The poignancy of their friendship makes his later descent into hubris and greed all the more tragic. His journey to find Destiny and her children takes a number of dangerous twists and turns as he encounters the mythical Keeper of the Forest; three bewitching sisters seeking true love; a giant begging for rain to end a drought; and two mountains looking for respect. Babisch’s haunting and evocative illustrations enhance the text. This is another winner from Manna, whose Mr. Semolina-Semolinus: A Greek Folktale (1997), written in collaboration with Christodoula Mitakidou and illustrated by Giselle Potter, was a New York Public Library Best Book for Children.

A splendid folktale that may appeal to fans of short stories and folklore.