The Sea King's Daughter: A Russian Legend (15th Anniversary Edition)

I thought I'd ordered a used copy for $12. When I saw that I was, in fact, paying $24 for a new one, I decided to let it be, thinking I'd be getting a valuable addition to my collection of illustrated children's books. Surprise! This is a cheaply-made reproduction of a reproduction. The original illustrations (and people don't generally buy books like this for the prose) were gorgeous, I'm sure - Ganady Spirin is an artist in the tradition of the classic illustrators - but on this cheap paper, the colors look dull and faded. It's unpleasant even to touch the pages. I'm thinking now I should have gone for the paperback, as even a used hardcover copy of this book is a scam. The one star is for the production values. The book arrived quickly and was well-packed. The story is nicely written. I am saddened to think that, under a more skillful publishing division, it might have been a masterpiece.

Because it's a Russian legend many may not be familiar with it. But its a very good tale and the basis of a Rimsky-Korsakov opera. Aaron Shepard does a great job in the re-telling of it. The story flows so easily like the sea in which it takes place. The illustrations by the Russian artist, Gennady Spirin, are absolutely gorgeous. They always are, but the subject matter here is so different than his other works. One cannot help but be captivated. You will not be disappointed with anything in this wonderful children's book.

Great Russian tale and illustrations from Gennady Spirin. The 17th and 18th century costumes in the illustrations have so much detail you can look at them and find something new every time. The story is a nice adventure and as with all good Russian tales has a bitter sweet ending.

Absolutely beautiful illustrations in this book, like renaissance art. Recommend for ages 2-16 because of the artwork. Reading level is about 3-4 th grade.

This book is a joy to look at, and the pictures will surely capture you child's imaginations. Set in long-ago Russia and the seas beneath, the story follows the brief love affair between a young minstrel and a mermaid. In the end, the young man choses to return to the land above the waves, but the bitter-sweet memory lingers. My 4-year-old mermaid daughter enjoyed it, but the book is probably more suited to slightly older kids and early readers.

Less quality than I thought

My granddaughters, aged 4 and 6, are at rapt attention while this book is being read. It has inspired them to ask very good questions which opens the discussion for great learning. Beautifully illustrated.

Beautiful illustrations and the class loved the story as well. Excellent for using as a frame when teaching writing a story from another culture.

I was very happy with this book and my nieces really loved it too. The illustrations were a bit hard to see, but I think that was just the kindle. Great find and I'll be on the lookout for more.

I bought this book for reference. The book is from a period that abounded with superb illustrators. The quality of the reproduction is not great but if you are looking for reference material it is great.

Bought it for my daughter because she loves well illustrated. And it definitely fits the bill

Absolutely glorious in every way!!

Fabulous artwork.

Beautiful art work

Book arrived earlier than expected and is a beautiful story.

Bueno..... parece ser que el libro viene de fuera! y la fecha de entrega prevista era entre el 20 de julio y el 9 de agosto...de momento no ha llegado, no sé si demorará más o darlo por perdido.... habrá que tener paciencia. En general estoy muy contenta contodo lo pedido a Amazon, asi que a esperar!