The Little Humpbacked Horse: A Russian Tale
Grade 1-4.  A heartwarming tale that explores the nature of true wisdom and friendship. Two older brothers, three courtiers, and even the Tsar himself attempt to outsmart young Ivan, whom everyone considers a simpleton. But Ivan proves to be a match for these challengers. Solving the mystery of the missing hay at home brings the gift of a humpbacked horse to the boy?an animal with special powers and the gift of human speech. It is the tiny beast who helps Ivan through the impossible tasks that the greedy ruler sets before him?including capturing the beautiful Tsarevna. Through a trick orchestrated by the Tsarevna and aided by the little horse, Ivan outwits (and eliminates) the Tsar and takes his well-earned place on the throne. Winthrop pairs the conventions and cadences of a traditional tale with passages that are rich with poetic images, making this a good choice for reading aloud. Koshkin's paintings in watercolor, tempera, and gouache are a perfect match, providing the ornate patterns and symmetrical compositions of folk art. Listeners used to being considered young and simple will revel in this story of a friendship that turns the tables and reveals the wisdom of youth.?Wendy Lukehart, Dauphin County Library, Harrisburg, PACopyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.