The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship: A Russian Tale

By Arthur Ransome

Book Overview

When the Czar proclaims that he will marry his daughter to the man who brings him a flying ship, the Fool of the World sets out to try his luck and meets some unusual companions on the way.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374424381
• ISBN13: 9780374424381
• Release Date: May 1987
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.1" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Excellent book

Trust God. Be merry.

Russian Folktale about determination and friendship.

"The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship" has remained to be one of the greatest Russian folktales ever told and has spawn many popular movies such as "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen." This story is written by Arthur Ransome along with illustrations by Uri Shulevitz and is an instant treat! The story starts out with a peasant fool whose older brothers are more favored by his parents than him. One day, the Czar of Russia proclaims that whoever builds a flying ship will marry his daughter, the princess. The two older brothers start on their way as their parents give them delicious food and lavish clothes. When the fool spots all this, he begs for his parents' permission too, but his parents only scoff at him and only give him bread and water. The fool meets a strange old man along the way and they end up having beautiful feast together. Then, the old man tells the fool to follow some instructions in building a flying ship. The fool follows these instructions and has a flying ship in no time. As the fool sails in his ship, he meets a listener, a runner, a sharpshooter, a drinker, an eater, a hay-carrier, and a brushwood carrier. They head to the Czar's palace and the Czar is none too pleased about the guests, so he sets them impossible tasks to do. This book has simplistic yet clear drawings and an imaginative style of storytelling that should be a favorite among children and paves way for other cult classics. Also, check out the Rabbit Ears' version narrated by Robin Williams. It is hilarious and creative.

could be even better

The story is great, if a little predictable. The young fool sets off to find a flying ship and thereby win the princess. A magical old man helps him find the ship, then the fool picks up a bunch of people on the way to the czar's palace, all of whom have these weird special talents. Once at the palace, the czar doesn't want to hand over his daughter and sets before the fool a number of tasks, which amusingly, but somewhat predictably line up with the special skills of each of the people he picked up along the way.The illustrations leave a lot to be desired. Although they are fun, detailed and colorful, they miss many chances to illustrate the story more dramatically. This is surprising given that the illustrator claims in his bio to be a filmmaker in addition to a children's book author. His illustrations need some close-ups and more interesting angles!Still, I would recommend this book, it is a wonderful example of a Russian folk tale. In the hands of another author and illustrator, it could be even better!

Check out the audio version...

Robin Williams made an audio version of this story that my younger brother would replay for hours on end...It's hilarious and engaging, with his obvious talent for the voices...