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(retold by: Arthur Ransome; illustrator: Uri Shulevitz

This TL retells a humorous Russian tale of a peasant who manages to win the hand of the Czar‘s daughter after overcoming ridiculous challenges with the help of an old wise man and seven unusual companions. It would be great as a DR, with plenty of roles for students to fill as they act out the story and replicate the tasks the Fool had to complete. Also an AS!

Caldecott Award

“They flew on and on, and looked down, and there was a man carrying a sack of straw.”

The colors used in the illustrations were a bit dull in my opinion, but had nice detailing and use of space. I would have liked to see more color and drama used in the illustrations because I really enjoyed the story.

The overall plot of this story uses fantasy by incorporating a ship that can fly in the sky. On the journey various personalities with special talents were discovered. This is a story about adventure and eventually finding a princess. I think many children would love this story and it should be included in elementary classrooms.

“The Czar and the Czaritza liked him very much, and as for the Princess, she loved him to distraction.” A happy ending!

This book won a Caldecott in 1969. The vibrancy on the pages adds to the fantasy and imagination that this book is all about.

This is a story about a boy who is the son of poor peasants setting out to bring a king a flying ship after the king announced that whoever does so may marry his beautiful princess daughter. It is a story of adventure and friendship.

"...sang and laughed and made jokes as if they had not a care in the world."

I'm not a fan of this book because of the length. However, it will be a good educational book.

This book was published in 1968. This book has more words than pictures. The background is Russian and provides their beliefs throughout. It is a difficult read for younger children and would need to be read in parts for understanding.

“The Czar and Czaritza liked him very much, and as for the Princess, she loved him to distraction.”

I really liked how the main character was underestimated and how his friends special skills helped him succeed.

This had a good theme of not thinking you‘re better than anyone and appreciating peoples special skills. The illustrations perfectly enhanced the story. The language was vibrant and descriptive.

“Go up to the first big tree you see. Make the sacred sign of the cross three times before it. Strike it a blow with your little hatchet. Fall backwards on the ground, and lie there, full length on your back, until somebody wakes you up.”

The Pictures in the book are beautiful and really help shape the story. The kids can also imagine their own flying ship with wings going where ever they want.

The book The Fool of the World and the Flying ship by Arthur Ransome is a traditional literature piece that tells the story of a peasant who is over seen by his parents. An old wise man had came to help the peasant (Fool of the World) over come some crazy obstacles to find a flying ship with wings. In the end the Fool had won over the Czar‘s daughter or the princess.

“You have not been done out of your share of the good things.”

Some of the language seemed pretty advanced and would need lots of explanation. I think if it were originally told in Russian, the translations might have had something to do with the language level.

This is a fairly long and slightly advanced book. I probably would read it to third graders...maybe second graders late in the year. The storyline was hard to get into at first, but eventually had a pattern that was easy to follow. Some random characters showed up in the middle that were needed for the ending (we eventually realized). Overall, it was good...but not my favorite!

First off this book is loooooonnnnnnngggggg. Especially for a children‘s picture book. It won the Caldecott medal in 1969 for the best illustrated work for children. It lives up to the hype. This was a very enjoyable folk tale about not being the smartest, or most learned person, but about being kind, and friendly. I thought this was very well done, and can see why the book is still around, even when it is older than I. #beatthebacklist #hermione