Two Trickster Tales from Russia, retold by Sophie Masson

‘How dare you steal my…’ the bear roared, then stopped, and sniffed the air. he snatched the porridge and gulped it all down. he licked the bowl and licked his lips. ‘Little girl,’ he growled, ‘you will stay and cook for me, or I will crack your skull like an egg!’
There was nothing Masha could do but stay.

When Masha is kept captive by a greedy, but not-too-smart bear, she has to bide her time until an opportunity arises for escape. On the other hand, when a beautiful, but easily fooled, rooster is preyed on by a cunning fox, he needs the help of his wilier friends to get him out of trouble.

Two Trickster Tales from Russia, as the title suggests, offers two retold folktales from Russia. With a lovely blend of traditional tale, well paced narrative and humour, coupled with a mix of colour and black and white illustrations, the book gives young readers a taste of stories from another time and culture.

Available in paperback format, Two Trickster Tales from Russia is the first title from new Australian publisher Christmas Press, and is also available in Audiobook format, with the reading complemented by music and sound effects which help to bring the tales to life.

A quality production Two Trickster Tales from Russia is delightful.

 

Two Trickster Tales final draft cover

Two Trickster Tales from Russia, by Sophie Masson, illustrated by David Allan
Christmas Press, 2013
ISBN 9780992283803