A simplified version of the Russian tale entitled ``King Kojata'' in Lang's Green Fairy Book. The Tsar is tricked into promising his baby son to an evil demon; once grown, Ivan sets out to honor his father's word. With the help of an enchanted maiden, Maria, he finds the demon's underworld kingdom and is given three impossible tasks to win his freedom. Maria helps accomplish the first two; since the third is beyond her power, they flee, with the demon's minions in pursuit. Maria's magic changes them into a church where the demon has no power, and they escape his clutches. Interestingly, the prince of the Lang version is more feckless and the heroine stronger; San Souci omits the ending in which Ivan forgets his rescuer and is on the point of marrying another when he is reminded of his first love by the wedding cake she's baked. Also, the men in Lang's story cause trouble that women must set aright; San Souci emphasizes the clash of good and evil. The illustrations, set against soft gold, contrast the protagonists' beauty (and their jewels and brocade) with the grotesque demon, his ragtag troll servants, and their chimerical steeds, with enough claw-like fingers, pointy ears, and warty noses to populate a nightmare—fairy-tale telling-and-showing at its most romantic. (Folklore/Picture book. 6-10)
Pub Date: Nov. 4, 1992
ISBN: 0-399-21581-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 15, 1992
Sloat collaborates with Huffman, a Yu’pik storyteller, to infuse a traditional “origins” tale with the joy of creating. Hearing the old women of her village grumble that they have only tasteless crowberries for the fall feast’s akutaq—described as “Eskimo ice cream,” though the recipe at the end includes mixing in shredded fish and lard—young Anana carefully fashions three dolls, then sings and dances them to life. Away they bound, to cover the hills with cranberries, blueberries, and salmonberries. Sloat dresses her smiling figures in mixes of furs and brightly patterned garb, and sends them tumbling exuberantly through grassy tundra scenes as wildlife large and small gathers to look on. Despite obtrusively inserted pronunciations for Yu’pik words in the text, young readers will be captivated by the action, and by Anana’s infectious delight. (Picture book/folktale. 6-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 2004
ISBN: 0-88240-575-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2004
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)
Pub Date: April 1, 1992
ISBN: 0-679-91052-2
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
