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Marushka and the Month Brothers
A retelling of the Slavic folktale in which the Month Brothers' magic helps Marushka fulfill seemingly impossible tasks which prove the undoing of her greedy stepmother and stepsister.
- GenresPicture BooksFairy Tales
32 pages, Library Binding
First published September 1, 1996
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 18, 2017
one of my favorite fairytales.
September 16, 2019
Unlike most folk tales I have read so far, I haven’t heard any that are even remotely similar to this one. I actually really enjoyed it and found the concept a beautiful analogy.
The story, originating from Slovakia, had strong morals and characters that are very common in traditional tales.
I personally didn’t enjoy the illustrations particularly, but the writing alone was enough to conjure wonderful images of the story in my head.
The story, originating from Slovakia, had strong morals and characters that are very common in traditional tales.
I personally didn’t enjoy the illustrations particularly, but the writing alone was enough to conjure wonderful images of the story in my head.
October 31, 2007
This is a lovely book enriched with charming water color illustrations by one of the authors, Anna Vojtech, an a former student from the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague. Visit Anna's site; isn't she pleasant? She looks like someone I'd love to meet with for tea.
The tale is well known is Slavic countries, and it shares some elements of Cinderella story that is familiar to most Americans--cruel and selfish stepmother and a mean stepsister mistreat the heroine. Marushka is innocent and pretty, and is commanded to take care of all the domestic responsibilities. While the step family relies on Marushka's work, they desperately want to be rid of her as her cheerful presence intensifies their jealously. One day they send her out into a winter storm for an impossible task--to bring back a nosegay of violets. Through the snowy mountain path she sees a bright light; she meets the 12 Month Brothers who help her with her plight. And so it goes, 3 times for accomplishing seemingly impossible tasks. And then. . .you'll have to read the tale to find out how it ends.
The tale is well known is Slavic countries, and it shares some elements of Cinderella story that is familiar to most Americans--cruel and selfish stepmother and a mean stepsister mistreat the heroine. Marushka is innocent and pretty, and is commanded to take care of all the domestic responsibilities. While the step family relies on Marushka's work, they desperately want to be rid of her as her cheerful presence intensifies their jealously. One day they send her out into a winter storm for an impossible task--to bring back a nosegay of violets. Through the snowy mountain path she sees a bright light; she meets the 12 Month Brothers who help her with her plight. And so it goes, 3 times for accomplishing seemingly impossible tasks. And then. . .you'll have to read the tale to find out how it ends.
December 30, 2015
My favorite book illustrated by Anna Vojtech, Marushka and the Month Brothers.
"This traditional folk tale, told in Czech and Slovak villages for countless generations, is a satisfying story of virtue rewarded and evil punished. Kindhearted Marushka cannot win the love of her jealous stepmother and stepsister. Hoping to be rid of Marushka, they send her on a series of impossible errands. But someone of power comes to Marushka's aid." (Amazon)
Age Range: 5 and up
"This traditional folk tale, told in Czech and Slovak villages for countless generations, is a satisfying story of virtue rewarded and evil punished. Kindhearted Marushka cannot win the love of her jealous stepmother and stepsister. Hoping to be rid of Marushka, they send her on a series of impossible errands. But someone of power comes to Marushka's aid." (Amazon)
Age Range: 5 and up
August 3, 2016
I will read it to my kids :)
You can find it on https://openlibrary.org/borrow
You can find it on https://openlibrary.org/borrow
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews