The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend
by Aaron Shepard

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Book Reviews of The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend

Book Review: Exquisite artwork by Gennady Spirin of a Russian legend
Summary: 5 Stars

However, one night Sadko's music reaches the ears of the Sea King himself, who had come to the River Volkhov to visit his daughter, Volkhova. The Sea King insists that Sadko must come and play his wonderful music in the great hall of the huge palace beneath the sea. Even if the title of this legend was not "The Sea King's Daughter" you would already have an idea of where this story, retold by Aaron Shepard, is going. However, there is a very interesting twist to the tale and one which provides a nice insight in the Russian character. This is not a predictable story and young readers will be struck by how different it is from the other fairy tales on which they have grown up.

Regardless of what you think of the story, the illustrations by Gennady Spirin are worth picking up this oversized storybook. The front piece claims that these are watercolors, which I find hard to believe, but I am in no position to question the assertion. These are finely detailed illustrations that remind you of some of the most exquisite Renaissance paintings that you have seen, although these are clearly part of the folk art tradition as well (you do not see lobsters wearing armor on their legs in high art). The two-page spreads of the feast in Novgorod and the court of the Sea King are marvelously detailed. My favorite is the painting of the Sea King first appearing to Sadko. The cover painting of the title character is rather subdued in comparison and does not prepare you for the wondrous art you will find inside this book.

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