STUPID EMILIEN

by S.T. Mendelson

Emilien lived in a Russia populated by white rabbits. He preferred sitting on his stove and on his rooftop to finding his fortune. This earned him the nickname Stupid Emilien. Yet he was anything but stupid. In fact he possessed strange powers. This story is based on a Russian folk tale.

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1991

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Russian folk tale book about a little rabbit name Stupid Emilien who has natural magic powers which he happily uses to entertain and help his neighbors. Word of Stupid Emilien's powers travel all the way to czar who wants their secret for his own greedy ends. Stupid Emilien, however, is not intimidated when czar comes to his village to demand the secret of his powers, and he magically sends czar home. Find out what happens to Stupid Emilien and Czar.
The book is beautiful illustrated and is filled with character and mystery and love. A delightful read for everyone.

[AMY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous book, but a few things might not be suited to children today. The word "stupid" is very much frowned upon at school. I probably would not read it aloud. I bought this book years ago but it doesn't seem to fit these times. I love the basic story of how a simpleton rabbit can go up against a powerful leader to try and outwit him. The illustrations are colorful, bold, and beautiful. The book is great but I would keep it in a folktale collection as an extra if you are working on Russian stories. Grades 3-5.

[Michelle Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful fairytale with gorgeous illustrations. :)

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this 5 stars because I wouldn't change a thing about this book. Wonderful art and I like the message. Also, the main characters are royal figures of real life? Even better.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun with attractive art. I didn't see in the book itself, does anyone know what fairy tale is it based on?

[No. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof this book needs so much more attention and love. It’s funny, although schools frown down upon the word “stupid” now, so watch out for unnecessarily angry school faculty if you read this book to your kid. It’s completely appropriate for kids, and the illustrations are amazing. Also, I really like how it’s not “love at first sight” for the czarevna, she just is like, “my dad’s making me marry someone, and you aren’t boring or a dirtbag (plus your castle floats), so can I marry you?” And Stupid Emillien is just like, “you’re polite, you like adventure, and it’ll really annoy your dad if I do. Why not?” Sure, they learn to love each other or whatever, but it just starts out as, “this is the best either of us are ever gonna get,” instead of, “Oh, you’re so beautiful. I only met you five hours ago, but I think I love you. Let’s get married.” It’s more how NORMAL PEOPLE would handle that situation.