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

This Caldecott Medal-winning picture book retells a classic Russian folktale about a kind-hearted, underestimated peasant boy known as the 'Fool of the World.' When the Czar promises his daughter to whoever brings him a flying ship, the Fool sets out on an adventure. Along the way, he meets an old man who grants him a magical ship and advises him to pick up a colorful cast of characters, each with a unique, exaggerated ability, such as the Listener, the Swift-goer, and the Eater. Together, this unlikely group uses their combined talents to overcome the Czar's five 'impossible' challenges, proving that kindness, cleverness, and teamwork can triumph over deceit and prejudice. The story celebrates inner worth and the power of friendship.

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.