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The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend
Set in the city of Novgorod long ago, the story tells of the poor musician Sadko, whose fortunes change when he is called to play at the Sea King's palace. Adventure, romance -- and a heartbreaking decision -- await the musician when he encounters the Sea King's beautiful daughter.
40 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1997
4 people are currently reading
736 people want to read
About the author
Aaron Shepard
105 books41 followersAaron Shepard is the author of many books, stories, and scripts for young people, as well as professional books and resources for writers and educators. He has also worked professionally in both storytelling and reader's theater, as a performer, director, and teacher trainer. Aaron's lively and meticulous retellings of folktales and other traditional literature have found homes with more than a dozen children's book publishers, large and small, and with the world's top children's literary magazines, winning him honors from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, the Bank Street College of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society. His extensive Web site, visited by thousands of teachers and librarians each week, is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater, while his stories and scripts have been featured in textbooks from publishers worldwide, including Scholastic, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, SRA, The College Board, Pearson Education, National Geographic, Oxford University Press, Barron's, Hodder Education, and McGraw-Hill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
August 8, 2020
Author/illustrator team Aaron Shepard and Gennady Spirin here present a breathtakingly gorgeous picture-book retelling of the Russian folk legend of Sadko, a musician in the medieval city of Novgorod. Performing at many wealthy merchants' houses, Sadko encounters numerous beautiful girls, but none that would be interested in a poor musician. Then one day, playing by the banks of the River Volkhov, he is greeted by the Sea King and invited to play at his palace under the ocean waves. It is here that he meets the Sea King's daughter - the nymph Volkhova, of his own River Volkhov. Although smitten by the lovely maiden, whose hand in marriage is given to him, Sadko knows that he cannot give in to his love, or he will never see his home again...
Pairing an engrossing and ultimately poignant tale from Shepard with beautifully ornate artwork from Spirin, The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend is an absolute pleasure to peruse. The illustrations, done in pencil and watercolor, are the kind that I would have enjoyed poring over, again and again, if I had encountered this as a young girl, and they would undoubtedly have made it a personal favorite. Full of detail, with a lovely, subtle color palette, they draw the reader into their world of mystery and magic. The wordless two-page spreads - there are three in total - are particularly marvelous! The story starts out, as so many folk and fairy-tales do, with the idea of a poor young man in want of a wife, but doesn't progress in quite the expected way. There are so many tales in which young men win the hand of the princess, whether in human or enchanted animal form, but here the hero must choose between home and princess. His decision to return home is atypical in this type of story, I think, and it makes for a beautiful but melancholy conclusion - a conclusion that hints at the haunting power of the sea, while also emphasizing the enduring pull of home. Recommended to folk and fairy-tale lovers, and to anyone who appreciates beautiful picture-book art.
Pairing an engrossing and ultimately poignant tale from Shepard with beautifully ornate artwork from Spirin, The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend is an absolute pleasure to peruse. The illustrations, done in pencil and watercolor, are the kind that I would have enjoyed poring over, again and again, if I had encountered this as a young girl, and they would undoubtedly have made it a personal favorite. Full of detail, with a lovely, subtle color palette, they draw the reader into their world of mystery and magic. The wordless two-page spreads - there are three in total - are particularly marvelous! The story starts out, as so many folk and fairy-tales do, with the idea of a poor young man in want of a wife, but doesn't progress in quite the expected way. There are so many tales in which young men win the hand of the princess, whether in human or enchanted animal form, but here the hero must choose between home and princess. His decision to return home is atypical in this type of story, I think, and it makes for a beautiful but melancholy conclusion - a conclusion that hints at the haunting power of the sea, while also emphasizing the enduring pull of home. Recommended to folk and fairy-tale lovers, and to anyone who appreciates beautiful picture-book art.
February 6, 2017
4.5 stars
I would like to thank NetGalley and Skyhook Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have always loved reading Russian folktales and when NetGalley offered the timeless classic “The Sea King’s Daughter” by Aaron Shepard along with gorgeous artwork by Gennady Spirin, I was so excited to check this little baby out and I was not disappointed by the results!
Once upon a time, in the city of Novgorod the Great in Russia, there lived a poor but contented musician named Sadko, who would usually play his twelve string gusli during various parties that he was invited to. Everyone at the parties would happily dance to his music and Sadko was content in learning that his music was causing so much joy for the people of Novgorod! One day however, Sadko wanted to find a wife, but none of the Maidens at the parties would marry him due to him being poor. So, when Sadko started playing his gusli over the River Volkhov, the mighty Sea King suddenly popped out of the ocean and invites Sadko to play at his underwater palace. Sadko decides to go to the underwater palace, but once he gets there, the Sea King offers Sadko a chance to marry one of his daughters and stay in his kingdom forever.
Will Sadko marry one of the Sea King’s daughters and will he ever return back to his home in Novgorod?
Read this book to find out!
Wow! I was quite impressed with this book, especially with the numerous nods to Russian culture displayed in the story! I loved the fact that Aaron Shepard incorporated many Russian elements in this story as we get to see the various instruments that are shown in Russia such as Sadko’s gusli and I also loved the fact that the story uses the themes of dancing and music to be a major factor in Sadko’s life and how they affect his decisions to make a happier life for himself. I also loved the dilemma that Aaron Shepard brings to the story as Sadko has to decide if he wants to stay in the Sea King’s palace and marry his daughter or not marry the Sea King’s daughter and stay in his hometown Novgorod as it provides an interesting situation for Sadko and the reader is free to engage in deciding which decision will make Sadko happy. But my most favorite part of this book was the artwork done by Gennady Spirin as the artwork was simply gorgeous to look at! I loved the images of the citizens of Novgorod dancing to Sadko’s music as the citizens just look so cheerful whenever they are dancing and the artwork seems to glow off the pages as you see the people dancing! I especially loved the way that Gennady Spirin designed the underwater palace of the Sea King as it looked truly exquisite and beautiful and I enjoyed seeing the images of various underwater creatures like fish and crabs occupying the underwater palace. But what I loved the best about Gennady Spirin’s artwork were the exotic Russian clothing that the characters wore in the story as I often wanted to wear such clothing and it really brings out the Russian elements of this tale!
The reason why I took off half a star from the rating was because I felt that the story was slowly paced and it was sometimes hard for me to get completely engaged in the story because some scenes seemed to drag out too long. Also, for anyone who does not like bittersweet endings in stories, this story does have a bittersweet ending. I will not tell you what happens at the end, but I must admit that I found myself a bit unsatisfied with how abrupt the ending seemed to be.
Overall, “The Sea King’s Daughter” is a truly great book about finding your true happiness in the world and anyone who loves Russian folktales will definitely enjoy this story! I would recommend this book to children ages six and up since the length of the book might be too long for some smaller children to handle.
Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
January 9, 2017
Book: The Sea King’s Daughter
Author: Aaron Shepard
Publisher: Skyhook Press
Genre: Children’s/ Folk Tales and Legends
Publication Date: December 6, 2010
Rating:
*Thank you NetGalley and Random House for a copy of this book in exchange for a review!*
The Low Down:
A tale straight from Russia. Sadko is an amazing musician living in Novgorod, Russia. He loves his music and his city, but he wishes to meet and marry a maiden. However, he is poor and no one will take him. That is, until he is swept to the underwater palace of the sea king where he is asked to play music for him and to marry one of his daughters…if he wishes.
My thoughts:
First, let’s appreciate the illustrations in this book.
![Image result for the sea king's daughter]()
I thought this was a wonderful Russian Folktale. I enjoyed the amount of research that went into the retelling of the story and into the illustrations to make sure they stayed traditional. I liked the notes at the end as well that explained about the story, the city of Novgorod and about Russian Culture. I think this story would be good for all children, although I think that perhaps younger children may need their parents to help them read and understand. However, I think everyone can enjoy the stunning and magical illustrations that accompany the story. I also think this is a good addition for people who enjoy Russian Culture and who enjoy studying Russian Legends and Tales.
On a side note about the writing though… I felt the writing was a little disjointed and a little incomplete to me. The ending seemed rather abrupt to the detail in the beginning.
Author: Aaron Shepard
Publisher: Skyhook Press
Genre: Children’s/ Folk Tales and Legends
Publication Date: December 6, 2010
Rating:
*Thank you NetGalley and Random House for a copy of this book in exchange for a review!*
The Low Down:
A tale straight from Russia. Sadko is an amazing musician living in Novgorod, Russia. He loves his music and his city, but he wishes to meet and marry a maiden. However, he is poor and no one will take him. That is, until he is swept to the underwater palace of the sea king where he is asked to play music for him and to marry one of his daughters…if he wishes.
My thoughts:
First, let’s appreciate the illustrations in this book.
I thought this was a wonderful Russian Folktale. I enjoyed the amount of research that went into the retelling of the story and into the illustrations to make sure they stayed traditional. I liked the notes at the end as well that explained about the story, the city of Novgorod and about Russian Culture. I think this story would be good for all children, although I think that perhaps younger children may need their parents to help them read and understand. However, I think everyone can enjoy the stunning and magical illustrations that accompany the story. I also think this is a good addition for people who enjoy Russian Culture and who enjoy studying Russian Legends and Tales.
On a side note about the writing though… I felt the writing was a little disjointed and a little incomplete to me. The ending seemed rather abrupt to the detail in the beginning.
August 5, 2022
This is the story of one of Russia's legendary heroes, the musician Sadko, who featured in the epic ballads that were composed by minstrels between the 10th and 16th centuries and taht were called byliny (apparently pronounced BIL-lin-ee), a term meaning "what has been".
In this tale Sadko lives in Novgorod that straddles the banks of the River Volkhov and every day a rich merchant or nobleman would send for him to play at a feast. And along he would go with his gusti, a multi-string plucked instrument, belonging to the zither family, and Sadko entertained, ate his fill and earned a little money into the bargain.
Even so Sadko was lonely and, viewing the attractive ladies, he longed for a girlfriend. But he was unsuccessful and one evening he walked down to the banks of the Volkhov with his gusti and sat and played. The notes floated over the surface of the river and suddenly a huge man appeared on the surface of the river.
He announced himself as the King of the Sea and his conversation with Sadko led to the exciting adventures that befell Sadko. These culminated in his being involved with the Sea Queen but the relationship did not work out and Sadko found himself back on the banks of the Volkhov. He was happy to be home but equally sad at losing his Sea Queen.
He subsequently became a rich man and often sat playing his gusti on the banks of the Volkhov when legend had it that a lovely head would rise from the river to listen.
Aaron Shepherd's re-telling is gloriously illustrated by Gennady Spirin.
In this tale Sadko lives in Novgorod that straddles the banks of the River Volkhov and every day a rich merchant or nobleman would send for him to play at a feast. And along he would go with his gusti, a multi-string plucked instrument, belonging to the zither family, and Sadko entertained, ate his fill and earned a little money into the bargain.
Even so Sadko was lonely and, viewing the attractive ladies, he longed for a girlfriend. But he was unsuccessful and one evening he walked down to the banks of the Volkhov with his gusti and sat and played. The notes floated over the surface of the river and suddenly a huge man appeared on the surface of the river.
He announced himself as the King of the Sea and his conversation with Sadko led to the exciting adventures that befell Sadko. These culminated in his being involved with the Sea Queen but the relationship did not work out and Sadko found himself back on the banks of the Volkhov. He was happy to be home but equally sad at losing his Sea Queen.
He subsequently became a rich man and often sat playing his gusti on the banks of the Volkhov when legend had it that a lovely head would rise from the river to listen.
Aaron Shepherd's re-telling is gloriously illustrated by Gennady Spirin.
March 31, 2018
This Russian story is a bit boring and disappointing because we Americans are always used to the tale of the Little Mermaid having a HEA with her prince unlike the original where she turned into Sea Foam and went to heaven. In this story, Sadko from Novgorod the Great has a HEA of his own while the sea Nymph is left longing for her beloved Sadko. The artwork is beautiful but the story is lacking; a Russian ending indeed.
September 29, 2016
The Sea King’s Daughter- A Russian Legend told by Aaron Shephard and Illustrated by Gennady Spirin is a beautifully told and wonderfully illustrated folk-tale. It takes place in the city of Novgorod, which was the richest port city in medieval Russia. There a young musician named Sadko was called frequently to play his gusli for all the dances but he was too poor for any of the young girls to notice. In despair, Sadko goes to the river to play his music and the Sea King invites him to play for him in his palace. What happens next makes an entertaining story for a young reader. The artwork in the book is exceptional and adds so much to the story. Any child would be thrilled with this book filled with beautiful pictures. If you are looking for a book to give to a young reader or child that could become a favorite pick this one up
I receive this book from NetGalley and Skyhook Press in exchange for a fair and honest review
I receive this book from NetGalley and Skyhook Press in exchange for a fair and honest review
November 29, 2025
Rating: 5* of five
The Publisher Says: Sadko the musician loved his city of Novgorod, the richest and most free in all Russia.
With its great feasts, its white stone churches, its merchant visitors from many lands, Sadko felt there was no better place to be. Yet he was lonely too, for the rich young ladies who danced to his music would never favor anyone so poor.
One night he takes his twelve-string gusli and goes alone to play by the River Volkhov. Suddenly from the water rises the Sea King, who invites the astonished musician to play at his underwater palace. But how will Sadko get there? And how will he get back? And will he want to return at all, when he meets the Sea King's lovely daughter?
One of the most popular legends of Russia, Sadko's story is found in medieval epic ballads, as well as in a popular opera by Rimsky-Korsakov. It is retold here in elegant prose, complemented by the entrancing illustrations of a modern Russian master.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Poignant tale of love that cannot ever be, of being separated from one's love by things outside our control, and living on as well as one can. It's a sad story, but longing is a human emotion children resonate with. A tale with long, long cultural roots in the Russophone world for a very good reason...now brought quite stunningly to life with some of the most spectacular illustrations I've seen yet.
how we're greeted
As expected from Author Shepard, the language is lovely, lyrical, and ideal for that still-alert six-year-old who gets to lap-read it at naptime, down to a truly little one who needs it read at bedtime. This artwork makes it a great coffee-table book, one I'd display very prominently and proudly. Look:
Sadko; by the river; the storm
the Sea King; with daughter Volkhova
I am more than a little in love with this style of illustration. It is transporting to the world of the story. It gives us a real, visceral sense of the Otherness and impossinility of Sadko in his situation:
In common with all legends, this one is well-populated with interesting folk. This spread is the one I'd spend the longest staring at:
...possibly because Sadko looks very, um, provocative down in that corner.
Not inappropriate, invisible to kids, but makes me wonder what this message really is....
Something I think any parent with a lap-reader would thank you for giving to their kid. Grands, aunts, uncles all duly encouraged!
The Publisher Says: Sadko the musician loved his city of Novgorod, the richest and most free in all Russia.
With its great feasts, its white stone churches, its merchant visitors from many lands, Sadko felt there was no better place to be. Yet he was lonely too, for the rich young ladies who danced to his music would never favor anyone so poor.
One night he takes his twelve-string gusli and goes alone to play by the River Volkhov. Suddenly from the water rises the Sea King, who invites the astonished musician to play at his underwater palace. But how will Sadko get there? And how will he get back? And will he want to return at all, when he meets the Sea King's lovely daughter?
One of the most popular legends of Russia, Sadko's story is found in medieval epic ballads, as well as in a popular opera by Rimsky-Korsakov. It is retold here in elegant prose, complemented by the entrancing illustrations of a modern Russian master.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS+. THANK YOU.
My Review: Poignant tale of love that cannot ever be, of being separated from one's love by things outside our control, and living on as well as one can. It's a sad story, but longing is a human emotion children resonate with. A tale with long, long cultural roots in the Russophone world for a very good reason...now brought quite stunningly to life with some of the most spectacular illustrations I've seen yet.
how we're greeted
As expected from Author Shepard, the language is lovely, lyrical, and ideal for that still-alert six-year-old who gets to lap-read it at naptime, down to a truly little one who needs it read at bedtime. This artwork makes it a great coffee-table book, one I'd display very prominently and proudly. Look:
Sadko; by the river; the storm
the Sea King; with daughter Volkhova
I am more than a little in love with this style of illustration. It is transporting to the world of the story. It gives us a real, visceral sense of the Otherness and impossinility of Sadko in his situation:
In common with all legends, this one is well-populated with interesting folk. This spread is the one I'd spend the longest staring at:
...possibly because Sadko looks very, um, provocative down in that corner.
Not inappropriate, invisible to kids, but makes me wonder what this message really is....
Something I think any parent with a lap-reader would thank you for giving to their kid. Grands, aunts, uncles all duly encouraged!
September 23, 2016
The thing about folk tales, done in picture books, is that they should be well written yes, but beautifully illustrated, and this fulfills both categories.
Gorgeously illustrated, with great detail to the Russian folk costume. Just staring at the pictures to see everything that is going on, is a great delight.
Throughly enjoyed this one.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing this book for an honest review.
Gorgeously illustrated, with great detail to the Russian folk costume. Just staring at the pictures to see everything that is going on, is a great delight.
Throughly enjoyed this one.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing this book for an honest review.
January 7, 2014
As usual, the illustration by Gennady Spirin was spectacular. The story line was an interesting look into Russian folklore and fairytales. I particularly appreciate the notes at the back of the book which help an American reader like me understand the context of there story. "Music is worth far more than gold. If the world were fair, you would have your fill of riches!"
March 6, 2015
Amazing illustrations.
August 31, 2017
"Music is worth far more than gold."
The Sea King's Daughter by Aaron Shepard is a beautifully woven retelling of one of the most known Russian legends.
Sadko, a gifted musician, lives in Novgorod and plays on a different feast each day. He's happy that he can share his music, but he often feels lonely and thinks about whether he will ever find a woman who will love him. One day, as he plays near the river Volkhov, surprised Sadko meets the Sea King who asks him to play at the feast in his underwater palace.
I love discovering tales and legends from different countries all over the world, so I found this retelling of a classic story truly wonderful. It's short but engaging and Aaron Shepard wrote it in a beautiful style, with a bittersweet ending. The tale is also accompanied by the gorgeous illustrations created by Gennady Spirin. They're very much traditional but at the same time really whimsical and dreamy, with many beautiful details and outstanding embellishments.
It's definitely going to be a fantastic bed time story but I would also recommend it to everyone who loves folk-tales.
I have kindly received a copy of this book from Skyhook Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The review also appeared on my blog.
Find me also on Tumblr and Instagram ★
The Sea King's Daughter by Aaron Shepard is a beautifully woven retelling of one of the most known Russian legends.
Sadko, a gifted musician, lives in Novgorod and plays on a different feast each day. He's happy that he can share his music, but he often feels lonely and thinks about whether he will ever find a woman who will love him. One day, as he plays near the river Volkhov, surprised Sadko meets the Sea King who asks him to play at the feast in his underwater palace.
I love discovering tales and legends from different countries all over the world, so I found this retelling of a classic story truly wonderful. It's short but engaging and Aaron Shepard wrote it in a beautiful style, with a bittersweet ending. The tale is also accompanied by the gorgeous illustrations created by Gennady Spirin. They're very much traditional but at the same time really whimsical and dreamy, with many beautiful details and outstanding embellishments.
It's definitely going to be a fantastic bed time story but I would also recommend it to everyone who loves folk-tales.
I have kindly received a copy of this book from Skyhook Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The review also appeared on my blog.
Find me also on Tumblr and Instagram ★
October 15, 2021
A beautifully illustrated account of the legend of Sadko, a musician who says he wishes he could marry the beautiful river by his city - but one day the Sea King hears his music, and invites him to perform at his undersea palace. He offers Sadko the hand of his daughter in marriage - and she is the spirit of his beloved river! - but he learns that if he consummates his marriage to her, he will never be able to go home again. So he goes back to the mortal world and lives out his life, but sometimes still pines for the beautiful river-goddess . . .
December 24, 2018
It is beautifully illustrated and a well told Russian tale.
April 28, 2022
Great fairy tale and exquisite illustrations.
Read
May 10, 2023This tale is so Russian, it's lovely.
July 26, 2023
A very beautiful book.
✨✨✨✨✨
✨✨✨✨✨
January 7, 2025
This rating is for the edition adapted by Aaron Shepard and illustrated by Gennady Spirin.
November 14, 2019
The story of a young Russian musician who loved his city and was invited to play for the Sea King in his palace. The book has really detailed and captivating art. The story the book tells is, to a western audience, familiar and still strange, bringing up memories of stories like The Little Mermaid, but being a different tale all the same. This could be a great benefit for younger readers who want to try reading or being read this book. The familiar feel of the story could really help them to feel more comfortable with the book, and the new story and the vivid artwork would then keep them invested. The book could be a great resource for teachers as well. Being a traditional Russian folktale, teachers could use it as an introduction to Russian culture's art and traditions or as a way to teach reading with multicultural texts.
October 7, 2016
Received from NetGalley for review.
The Sea King’s Daughter is a Russian legend that tells the story of Sadko, a poor musician who is unable to find a wife due to his lack of wealth. One night he plays by a river and is visited by the Sea King, who invites him to play at his underground palace, but will he be able to get there and how will he return? Will he even want to return when he sees the King’s daughters?
This was a wonderful reading experience. The story is only short – around thirty pages – but Aaron Shepard’s narration is lovely, and, although simple, it is undeniably effective – I don’t want anything overly complicated or flowery when it comes to fairy tale retellings, I just want to be told the story and to soak up another culture and that is exactly what happened when I was reading this. Whilst reading Shepard’s word I was immediately returned to my childhood and filled with nostalgia – it reminded me of sitting and reading my children’s Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales for hours when I was younger. Shepard also includes information about the Russian culture of preserving ancient stories and legends – in epic ballads known as byliny – which I always find fascinating to read about; not only did I learn a new legend, I learnt something new about the tradition of storytelling.
The illustrations by Gennady Spirin are gorgeous and truly evoked the feel of Russian splendour and myth for me – I was completely transported by the subtle designs and gentle colours, especially as the illustrations reminded me of medieval tapestries and whimsical renaissance paintings, all gentle lines and plump revellers. The underwater scenes were particularly beautiful – there is a real sense of magic when looking at the pictures and I know they will appeal to young and old alike.
I’ll admit it was ‘A Russian Legend’ that initially drew me to this book (I have a minor fascination with all things Russia), but I very much enjoyed the story in itself – it was skilfully told and I love that I learnt something new. Russia, mythology, fairy tales, and mermaids – you can’t go wrong, in my opinion, and I imagine many others will agree.
The Sea King’s Daughter is a Russian legend that tells the story of Sadko, a poor musician who is unable to find a wife due to his lack of wealth. One night he plays by a river and is visited by the Sea King, who invites him to play at his underground palace, but will he be able to get there and how will he return? Will he even want to return when he sees the King’s daughters?
This was a wonderful reading experience. The story is only short – around thirty pages – but Aaron Shepard’s narration is lovely, and, although simple, it is undeniably effective – I don’t want anything overly complicated or flowery when it comes to fairy tale retellings, I just want to be told the story and to soak up another culture and that is exactly what happened when I was reading this. Whilst reading Shepard’s word I was immediately returned to my childhood and filled with nostalgia – it reminded me of sitting and reading my children’s Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales for hours when I was younger. Shepard also includes information about the Russian culture of preserving ancient stories and legends – in epic ballads known as byliny – which I always find fascinating to read about; not only did I learn a new legend, I learnt something new about the tradition of storytelling.
The illustrations by Gennady Spirin are gorgeous and truly evoked the feel of Russian splendour and myth for me – I was completely transported by the subtle designs and gentle colours, especially as the illustrations reminded me of medieval tapestries and whimsical renaissance paintings, all gentle lines and plump revellers. The underwater scenes were particularly beautiful – there is a real sense of magic when looking at the pictures and I know they will appeal to young and old alike.
I’ll admit it was ‘A Russian Legend’ that initially drew me to this book (I have a minor fascination with all things Russia), but I very much enjoyed the story in itself – it was skilfully told and I love that I learnt something new. Russia, mythology, fairy tales, and mermaids – you can’t go wrong, in my opinion, and I imagine many others will agree.
November 1, 2016
This is a beautiful book.
I wish I had this book when I was a child, but I had the joy to see my young niece's eyes light up as she saw the illustrations. I was an odd child, one who carried a history book wherever I went, and poured over the illustrations in them. My niece is also a quirky child, and needless to say, this book is meant for the quirky ones.
The illustrations in this story was stunning, vivid and capturing. The oil paints used were able to yield great details that my niece enjoyed finding. I love Russian fairy tales, and I am glad that Araon Shepard was able to illustrate it vividly.
This book is meant for the quirky, odd child in your life; and perhaps, it is also meant for the adults that were the quirky, odd child you were.
With love,
DearWilderness
I wish I had this book when I was a child, but I had the joy to see my young niece's eyes light up as she saw the illustrations. I was an odd child, one who carried a history book wherever I went, and poured over the illustrations in them. My niece is also a quirky child, and needless to say, this book is meant for the quirky ones.
The illustrations in this story was stunning, vivid and capturing. The oil paints used were able to yield great details that my niece enjoyed finding. I love Russian fairy tales, and I am glad that Araon Shepard was able to illustrate it vividly.
This book is meant for the quirky, odd child in your life; and perhaps, it is also meant for the adults that were the quirky, odd child you were.
With love,
DearWilderness
August 10, 2017
Rich illustrations adorn this fairytale. It feels like a fairytale in its narrative style, and its near-miss ending. I also enjoyed the historical information the author included at the end.
Possible Objectionable Material:
A man jumps into the sea and would have drowned were this not a fairytale.
Who Might Like This Book:
Lovers of fairytales and Russian stories.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. This book also reviewed at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20....
Possible Objectionable Material:
A man jumps into the sea and would have drowned were this not a fairytale.
Who Might Like This Book:
Lovers of fairytales and Russian stories.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC. This book also reviewed at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20....
July 22, 2019
This is a retelling of a fairy tale that seems to pop up in most cultures, of a young man being offered an undersea princess for a wife, but missing the land too much to make it work.
Its a solid retelling, with plenty of great details about medieval Russia mixed in, but the illustrations are what really makes this sing - they are absolutely gorgeous, chock full of homages to a lot of Russia's art history, and delightful with the nautical theme.
A gem of a story!
May 6, 2020
I found this story to be different from any other traditional stories I heard growing up and the pictures throughout the book make it so visually interesting.
Accelerated Reader: 4.3
Guided Reading Level: O
6 Traits: Presentation
I would use this book when talking about how people used to dress in the 15th century. Also to show that sometimes you have to make difficult decisions in life, and then you have to accept the consequences.
Accelerated Reader: 4.3
Guided Reading Level: O
6 Traits: Presentation
I would use this book when talking about how people used to dress in the 15th century. Also to show that sometimes you have to make difficult decisions in life, and then you have to accept the consequences.
June 18, 2025
I love discovering new tales from around the world I have never heard of before, and this was a lovely one. Seeing the amazing illustrations in an old style that transported me in time to my little self mde me enjoy the reading experience even more. Without a doubt, this is a picture book I would love to have in physical form for the little ones in my life and, honestly, for me as well.
Thanks to Netgalley and Skyhook Press for provinding me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to Netgalley and Skyhook Press for provinding me an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
July 31, 2020
Lesser know (outside of Russia) fairy tale about a poor musician and an undersea adventure.
Beautiful artwork that is both soft yet detailed and adds to the magical atmosphere.
The ornate costume of the medieval princesses are so gorgeous.
Also liked that there was a pronunciation guide at the beginning and a little Russian history at the end.
Beautiful artwork that is both soft yet detailed and adds to the magical atmosphere.
The ornate costume of the medieval princesses are so gorgeous.
Also liked that there was a pronunciation guide at the beginning and a little Russian history at the end.
February 3, 2026
This is a legend about a musician who plays so well the King of the Sea asks him to come and play in his home underwater. However, when offered the chance to marry one of the Sea King's daughters, the musician turns it down, because it would mean giving up the life he already had.
March 16, 2017
In medieval times, the city of Novgorod the Great, there is a poor musician who sits by the river Volkhov playing his music and longing for love. He is often called upon by the rich to perform. His payment for music is "eat all the food you want"and is given a few coins. One day as he is playing by the river, the Sea King appears and invites him to his palace to play his music. The Sea King gives him a gold fish in payment before he goes to play his music for him. When he does go down and plays for the Sea King, his music so delights the Sea King, he offers him a daughter to marry. Will he marry? If he does, what will happen to him? If he doesn't marry, will he go back to his beloved city?
This is a Russian folk tale. The illustrations are gorgeous and creates the perfect mood for the story. A short history of Russian folk tales is given at the end of the book. The enchantment of this book makes it a worthwhile read for all regardless of age!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
This is a Russian folk tale. The illustrations are gorgeous and creates the perfect mood for the story. A short history of Russian folk tales is given at the end of the book. The enchantment of this book makes it a worthwhile read for all regardless of age!
Disclaimer: I received an arc of this book free from the author/publisher from Netgalley. I was not obliged to write a favorable review, or even any review at all. The opinions expressed are strictly my own.
February 2, 2018
Interesting legend. I find it interesting what’s included in legends from other countries. Wow.
April 7, 2018
This is a fairy tale not quite following the usual recipe, which was refreshing to read. Beyond that, it's a book filled with stunningly beautiful art!
May 7, 2018
well-told story with gorgeous illustrations
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