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A Weave of Words: An Armenian Tale
A reworking of Armenian folktales in which a lazy prince learns to read, write, and weave to win his love only to have these very talents later save him from a three-headed monster.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 1998
About the author
Robert D. San Souci
96 books91 followersRobert Daniel San Souci (October 10, 1946 – December 19, 2014) was a multiple award-winning children's book author, who resided in San Francisco, California. He often worked with his brother, Daniel San Souci, a children's book illustrator. He was a consultant to Disney Studios and was instrumental in the production of the film Mulan, for which he wrote the story. He studied folklore in graduate school. He died after suffering a head injury while falling from a high height in San Francisco in December 2014. He was only 68 years old.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 26, 2011
An engaging and refreshing fairytale adapted from one of Armenian tradition, "A Weave of Words" tells the story of Prince Varchagan, a good-hearted and intelligent man who none-the-less was bored with court life and never learned to read or write, preferring to hunt. When he meets a commoner, Anait, he is struck with her beauty, goodness and intelligence and asks to become her wife. Her father says that Anait herself must choose and, being a woman of learning, she cannot bare to marry a man who has none. Rather than set him the task of catching her a phoenix or some other creature as Varchagan wishes, she says that he must learn to read and write and to learn a craft. With her memory bright in his heart, he does so and does so with honor. When they marry and become rulers, Anait, too, must learn new things, like how to ride a horse and carry a sword. And, one day, Varchagan's and Anait's new skills will come into play when Varchagan's life is in danger.
I appreciated the intelligent woman aspect of this story. At first, I was a little annoyed that she asked Varchagan to change for her since this is never an aspect of love stories that I appreciate (whether it is male or female doing the asking), but the story progressed in such a way that I felt okay with it, especially with Anait, too, had to learn some new skills and the ending is wonderful! Do note that, while the illustrations are well-done and suitable to the story, they might frighten younger/sensitive readers. Otherwise, I heartily recommend this to both boys and girls as it's a fairytale that both could appreciate.
I appreciated the intelligent woman aspect of this story. At first, I was a little annoyed that she asked Varchagan to change for her since this is never an aspect of love stories that I appreciate (whether it is male or female doing the asking), but the story progressed in such a way that I felt okay with it, especially with Anait, too, had to learn some new skills and the ending is wonderful! Do note that, while the illustrations are well-done and suitable to the story, they might frighten younger/sensitive readers. Otherwise, I heartily recommend this to both boys and girls as it's a fairytale that both could appreciate.
October 6, 2009
This is a absolute 5 star. This retelling of an Armenian story is of Prince Vachagan who lives a life of whimsy. He never learns to read or write and has no trade. He spends his day dressed as a commoner hunting. One day he meets a girl named Anait who was very smart and a master weaver. Not knowing who he was, the Anait took the prince back to her father. The prince was so impressed by the girls gifts of intellect and weaving that he asked for her hand in marriage. The father teld the prince it was up to his daughter. Anait humbly turns the prince down telling him that since he can not read or write and does not have a trade she can not marry him. After pleading his case that he doesn't need all of that because he is a prince and will some day be king he leaves and returns to his kingdom. Prince Vachagan thinks of Anait constantly and decides that she is right and begins to teach himself to read, write and weave. He sends her a quilt the likes of which she has never seen with a letter to ask for her hand in marriage. With joy, Anait agrees and comes to live in the kingdom with her prince. He teaches her the skills needed to hunt and they spend their evenings weaving and reading. After they have become king and queen a rumor begins of an attack on the kingdom. Scouts are sent out to gather information from the outlying country but never come back. The new queen surmises that the country folk are afraid of the king's scouts and that the king should go out in his common hunting clothes and see what he can find out. Against the advice of a townsman King Vachagan joins the dangerous group that is heading East. He is captured by a dev (3 headed ogre)but his life is spared because of his gift of weaving. King Vachagan promises the dev that he can weave a rug that will be worth 100 coins. After working day and night he finally completes it and suggests that the dev send the rug to Queen Aniat, for she is the only one who will know it's worth. When the Queen sees the rug she immediately knows it is from her beloved. The king has woven words into the rug telling the Queen where he can be found. The Queen gathers an army and set off to save the King. Once she finds the cave he is being held in a battle ensues and the Queen vanqueshes the dev herself. Queen Anait frees her beloved and they are reunited to enjoy their reading and weaving for another day.
This Epic tale has it all. One of the things I really appreciate about this book is that there is both a man and a women role model whereas, typically, in these type stories, the male is the only role model or hero. I also enjoyed the peek at Armenian culture the book shows. It shows how the Armenians valued reading, writing and knowing a trade for both men and women. It reveals the fact that, the Armenians are ruled by king and queen and speaks to the folklore of the dev; a three headed ogre that resides in a cave. I can just imagine the stories that are told around the "campfire"that involve the evil dev. This book is a keeper.
This Epic tale has it all. One of the things I really appreciate about this book is that there is both a man and a women role model whereas, typically, in these type stories, the male is the only role model or hero. I also enjoyed the peek at Armenian culture the book shows. It shows how the Armenians valued reading, writing and knowing a trade for both men and women. It reveals the fact that, the Armenians are ruled by king and queen and speaks to the folklore of the dev; a three headed ogre that resides in a cave. I can just imagine the stories that are told around the "campfire"that involve the evil dev. This book is a keeper.
February 26, 2020
Taken from the Armenian tradition, Robert D. San Souci's A Weave of Words follows the story of Prince Varchagan, a hunting-mad young man with no time for book-learning, until he meets and falls in love with Anait, a scholarly weaver's daughter who informs him that she will not consent to marry him until he learns to read and write, and masters a craft. After all, fortunes can change, and even a prince can fall on hard times! Spurred on by his love, Varchagan accomplishes all that Anait asks, becoming a poet and a master carpet-weaver, and winning his desired bride. Anait, in her turn, teaches herself horsemanship and swordplay, in order to better help in leading the country, should circumstances demand it. When rumors reach Varchagan and Anait, now king and queen, of travelers disappearing in the east, and Varchagan goes to investigate, both of these sets of skills prove essential, in defeating one of the monstrous devs...
This outstanding picture-book is a winner on so many levels, it's difficult to know where to begin! I understand that, in the original Armenian versions, it is simply called Anait, and that seems appropriate to me, as the heroine of this story not only determines and sets in motion the hero's "quest" (Varchagan's efforts to become literate, and to learn a skill), but she also rides out to rescue him, when he falls into the hands of a monster, slaying said monster in the process. I simply loved the fact that in this story, unlike many fairy-tales I have read, it is the royal partner who must change and grow, rather than the "common" one. I loved that Anait was free to refuse Varchagan, even though he was the prince, and I loved the nature of the tasks she sets him, if he will have her as a bride: after all, what book-loving woman wants an illiterate as a mate, even if he is royal? I also loved that Anait herself needed to gain new skills, in taking up her new responsibilities as a ruler (and I loved that she was a ruler, at least in part, rather than some kind of decoration). Finally, I loved the way in which these newly acquired skills, on both of their parts, are what allow them to triumph in the end, with Varchagan working a clever message into his carpet, and Anait leading the troops to rescue him.
That's a lot of loving, obviously! This story was wonderful, and I will be tracking down every title listed in San Souci's introductory note. The artwork by Raul Colón was also outstanding, with a lovely expressive quality that lends itself both to the thoughtful scenes, and to the more action-driven ones. All in all, a fabulous book, one I recommend to anyone who enjoys folktales, particularly those with strong female characters.
This outstanding picture-book is a winner on so many levels, it's difficult to know where to begin! I understand that, in the original Armenian versions, it is simply called Anait, and that seems appropriate to me, as the heroine of this story not only determines and sets in motion the hero's "quest" (Varchagan's efforts to become literate, and to learn a skill), but she also rides out to rescue him, when he falls into the hands of a monster, slaying said monster in the process. I simply loved the fact that in this story, unlike many fairy-tales I have read, it is the royal partner who must change and grow, rather than the "common" one. I loved that Anait was free to refuse Varchagan, even though he was the prince, and I loved the nature of the tasks she sets him, if he will have her as a bride: after all, what book-loving woman wants an illiterate as a mate, even if he is royal? I also loved that Anait herself needed to gain new skills, in taking up her new responsibilities as a ruler (and I loved that she was a ruler, at least in part, rather than some kind of decoration). Finally, I loved the way in which these newly acquired skills, on both of their parts, are what allow them to triumph in the end, with Varchagan working a clever message into his carpet, and Anait leading the troops to rescue him.
That's a lot of loving, obviously! This story was wonderful, and I will be tracking down every title listed in San Souci's introductory note. The artwork by Raul Colón was also outstanding, with a lovely expressive quality that lends itself both to the thoughtful scenes, and to the more action-driven ones. All in all, a fabulous book, one I recommend to anyone who enjoys folktales, particularly those with strong female characters.
March 22, 2025
read this at the Eric Carle museum in an exhibit featuring the art of Raul Colón, so my attention was naturally drawn to the absolutely beautiful illustrations in this. but the story is really good too! :)
January 1, 2015
An unusual and very satisfying fairy tale.
January 23, 2018
I liked the unique antagonist in this one! And the girl power, obviously
October 8, 2025
Literally: yassss QUEEN
February 26, 2008
This is a strong "princess tale" I'm not afraid to read to my girls! Don't touch it, Disney.
June 16, 2024
You never know when you learn skills that you don't want to learn, but later they are all that saves you from being devoured by three-headed monster.
Not all young princes dream of learning to read, to write, and to weave. But then all young princes do not fall in love with the wise young woman named Anait. She tells him (and also her own father):
"Times change.... A king may become a servant. Then what good is past glory....
"When you can read and wite and show me some handiwork of yours, I will be satisfied."
By the end of this tale, Prionce Vachagan has a happy ending. And so does Anait. Who turns out to be as brave as she is wise and clever.
FIVE STARS for this treat of a fairy tale from Armenia.
Not all young princes dream of learning to read, to write, and to weave. But then all young princes do not fall in love with the wise young woman named Anait. She tells him (and also her own father):
"Times change.... A king may become a servant. Then what good is past glory....
"When you can read and wite and show me some handiwork of yours, I will be satisfied."
By the end of this tale, Prionce Vachagan has a happy ending. And so does Anait. Who turns out to be as brave as she is wise and clever.
FIVE STARS for this treat of a fairy tale from Armenia.
October 12, 2020
I`m an Armenian, raised in Russia, and I just found out that this tale has Armenian origins/inspiration lol
In primary school in Moscow we actually learned this beautiful story in our literature class, I carried it through years in my heart, reminding myself that skills and knowledge are priceless assets. Not a year went by without me remembering this fairytale, when I was bored in class or just irritated by everyday routine. I`m so glad to find it again, now 17-ish years later it`s time to re-read it!❤️
In primary school in Moscow we actually learned this beautiful story in our literature class, I carried it through years in my heart, reminding myself that skills and knowledge are priceless assets. Not a year went by without me remembering this fairytale, when I was bored in class or just irritated by everyday routine. I`m so glad to find it again, now 17-ish years later it`s time to re-read it!❤️
March 31, 2019
Love this book. It is beautifully told and illustrated. I love the strong woman and the fact that each of the protagonists survived and thrived by what they learned from the other. Beautiful symbiosis, to be sure. This is a strong and stark contrast to Disney tales of the damsel in distress. My young sons loved this as we read it aloud. Though, the 8 year old said, dad, they just met and they are getting married?
August 9, 2018
My son recommended this book to me. He came home from school after it had been read to him raving about it. So, I bought it and have read it to my students of all ages. The story is so engaging, with lots of the unexpected, and it has intricately beautiful illustrations. And, as one reviewer mentioned, the girl power is a win!
January 2, 2019
The story was good, but the illustrations weren't my favorite. It was a unique story though and that bumped it up to a four instead of the 3-3.5 it was hovering at otherwise.
February 21, 2019
Another beautiful legend of how equality, skill and intelligence triumph over their opposites. The stylized art is lovely too.
Read
March 9, 2020Different to usual Tales
May 22, 2022
Most wonderful tale where a Smart girl doesn't want to marry for money she wants to marry for Watson art and love, this book is a keeper!
August 15, 2023
⚔️👑🏹✨So they attained their hearts desire, and may you likewise attain yours. ✨🏹👑⚔️
January 12, 2024
Really interesting story with beautiful illustrations. Also, Anait is badass!
April 17, 2025
A beautiful fairytale, with gorgeous illustrations and a good message.
October 3, 2012
I'm not hiding my review because this book is over ten years old. If you're concerned about spoilers, scroll past.
This book was fantastic! It's a short, simple (except the foreign names, for an English speaking six year old) fairy tale, completely different from Disney.
It goes like this: The prince is a dull, spoiled man. He meets the heroine, falls in love instantly, and asks for her hand in marriage immediately. Her father told the prince it was the heroine's decision - she married whomever she chose. I was really thrilled with that.
She tells the prince essentially, that he's not good enough for her and she is bored with him. (Which was true, and perfectly acceptable reasons to refuse a proposal, even from a prince.) He set off to impress her, by learning to read, write, and make his own living.
His instant love is maintained through his mastery of literature and a trade. He proposes once again, and she accepts. The couple teach each other new things, and eventually inherit the kingdom. Dear prince sets off in disguise (at her suggestion) to learn what ails his people, and is taken prisoner by a demon. He is able to sneak a secret message back to his wife, who takes it upon herself to rescue him.
When they reach the demon, her army abandons her in fright, but she carries on, and defeats it by neatly chopping off all three of it's heads. She is reunited with her prince, and they live happily ever after.
There are may things I like about this story. Unlike in Disney stories, our heroine got to choose her husband - her father said as much to a prince! Class did not make daddy (or anyone) choose for her.
Our heroine was not immediately satisfied with the first guy who told her she was pretty. Sure, she ends up with him, but not until he meets her standards.
There was not a hint of "damsel in distress" - she went to rescue him! The couple worked together, as equals in ruling the kingdom and rescuing the prince. But the heroine did all of the actual fighting, which was nice to see.
On the page where we meet the demon, I was briefly concerned that it was going to get graphic - I did not pre read this before reading it with my first grader! But I am perfectly content with the amount of "bad" that was shown; the illustrations were nicely done, and there was no needless gore.
I would happily add this book to my daughter's collection (which does not include any Disney princesses.)
This book was fantastic! It's a short, simple (except the foreign names, for an English speaking six year old) fairy tale, completely different from Disney.
It goes like this: The prince is a dull, spoiled man. He meets the heroine, falls in love instantly, and asks for her hand in marriage immediately. Her father told the prince it was the heroine's decision - she married whomever she chose. I was really thrilled with that.
She tells the prince essentially, that he's not good enough for her and she is bored with him. (Which was true, and perfectly acceptable reasons to refuse a proposal, even from a prince.) He set off to impress her, by learning to read, write, and make his own living.
His instant love is maintained through his mastery of literature and a trade. He proposes once again, and she accepts. The couple teach each other new things, and eventually inherit the kingdom. Dear prince sets off in disguise (at her suggestion) to learn what ails his people, and is taken prisoner by a demon. He is able to sneak a secret message back to his wife, who takes it upon herself to rescue him.
When they reach the demon, her army abandons her in fright, but she carries on, and defeats it by neatly chopping off all three of it's heads. She is reunited with her prince, and they live happily ever after.
There are may things I like about this story. Unlike in Disney stories, our heroine got to choose her husband - her father said as much to a prince! Class did not make daddy (or anyone) choose for her.
Our heroine was not immediately satisfied with the first guy who told her she was pretty. Sure, she ends up with him, but not until he meets her standards.
There was not a hint of "damsel in distress" - she went to rescue him! The couple worked together, as equals in ruling the kingdom and rescuing the prince. But the heroine did all of the actual fighting, which was nice to see.
On the page where we meet the demon, I was briefly concerned that it was going to get graphic - I did not pre read this before reading it with my first grader! But I am perfectly content with the amount of "bad" that was shown; the illustrations were nicely done, and there was no needless gore.
I would happily add this book to my daughter's collection (which does not include any Disney princesses.)
April 3, 2019
Grade: K-2
Traditional Literature
An incredibly fun fairy tale! It holds the same story telling pattern as many fairy tales but is unique in its own way.
Traditional Literature
An incredibly fun fairy tale! It holds the same story telling pattern as many fairy tales but is unique in its own way.
September 24, 2009
I really enjoy reading fairy tales from other cultures and I found this one from Armenia fascinating. The textures of the illustrations give it a rustic feel. I appreciate that the heroine, Anait, valued education, skill, and learning more than riches, power, and prestige, refusing to marry the prince Vachagan until he could read, write, and master a trade. In true egalitarian form, Anait also expanded her skill set - she learned how to ride and use a sword and govern. She leads the army that goes to rescue Vachagan, fighting bravely against the dev and his army. Wonderful action story. Great example of a well-matched married couple who truly care for and encourage and inspire each other.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
For more book reviews, visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
September 7, 2010
A different twist to the "impossible task" motif common in folk tales. In this case handsome young Prince Vachagan sets his own task: in order to win the heart of Anait, the resourceful young woman he loves, he teaches himself to weave and to read and write. And in another twist, it is later King Vachagan who is kidnapped and sends a message to Anait, by now his Queen, through the mysterious carpet that he weaves; Anait leads a band of warriors to save her husband. Handsomely illustrated with etching, watercolor washes and colored pencils on watercolor paper by Raul Colon, this well-written story has a delightfully spunky heroine and a hero who grows during the course of his adventures. Source notes give background information.
October 14, 2015
A very well written and beautiful tale for the classroom. It teaches the value of hard work. It is the story of a young prince who has everything he could ever wish for. One day, however, he comes across a beautiful, young maiden with whom he falls in love. When he asks for her hand, she refuses him saying that she would only wed a man who is hardworking and valiant of heart. Determined to better himself, the young prince decides to start and complete his education. He learns to weave, read and write. This is the heartwarming tale of love. It is a very mature tale that shows people that they should not marry for looks but love the person for they are on the inside.
August 3, 2016
This Armenian tale is a refreshingly different fable about the value of education and creativity, no matter what your station in life. Prince Vachagan could have had any fair ladies hand in marriage. Instead, he proposes to a poor yet intelligent woman, Anait, he met in the forest (since apparently that is where one always find true love in these types of stories) who is uninterested in marring an illiterate man with no talent other than being born into nobility. Upon her refusal Vachagan fervently pursues his education and an unlikely craft to prove his worth the Anait. Little does he know that these skills will not only get him the girl, but save his life one day.
February 7, 2017
Based on an Armenian fairytale, with variations to that tale also drawn from Armenian folklore.
This tale clearly values learning and well-roundedness. The prince has to learn to read and write and learn a trade in order to marry the girl he wants to marry, and then those things end up saving his live. She learns to ride and fight and then is able to rescue the prince.
This tale clearly values learning and well-roundedness. The prince has to learn to read and write and learn a trade in order to marry the girl he wants to marry, and then those things end up saving his live. She learns to ride and fight and then is able to rescue the prince.
March 28, 2012
This story is about a prince who wastes his life and can't read or write. He meets a girl that he soon loves. She won't marry him unless he learns to read, write, and weave. He decides to learn. He marries the girl and then gets captured by the evil dev. He weaves a rug, which is a secret note to his wife. She rides out and saves him from the evil dev.
February 10, 2015
Among the most unusual love stories I have ever read. Appropriate from the fifth grade up. Based on an old Armenian tale, this unusual story shows a wise father, a strong woman and a man who chooses to learn.
July 14, 2015
This Armenian fairy tale is a true 5 star book. The characters are strong, learn life lessons and work hard. It is one I want to read to my children regularly. Truly one of the best fairy tales I have ever read.
November 28, 2008
This picture explains the important of writing and reading.The story well written. The illustrations are beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews