The Sea King

by Jane Yolen, Shulamith Levey Oppenheim, Stefan Czernecki (Illustrator)

A tale, based on themes from Russian folklore, about a man who makes a promise to the Sea King but fails to keep it.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Jane Yolen is a novelist, poet, fantasist, journalist, songwriter, storyteller, folklorist, and children’s book author who has written more than three hundred books. Her accolades include the Caldecott Medal, two Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Award, three Mythopoeic Awards, the Kerlan Award, two Christopher Awards, and six honorary doctorate degrees from colleges and universities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Born and raised in New York City, the mother of three and the grandmother of six, Yolen lives in Massachusetts and St. Andrews, Scotland.

Reviews

[Suebee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting folktale with some holes...when are they underwater? Confusing. The illustrations did little to support the text, there was much detail in the story that was not shown in the pictures.

[Bruce Nordstrom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this because I have been a Jane Yolen fan for years. "Devil's Arithmetic," "Briar Rose," and "Troll Bridge" are all books I've read and enjoyed several times. I was not aware that Jane Yolen wrote childrens' books until I more or less stumbled over this one in the library.

I am assuming this is a retelling of an old Russian folktale, and it was told very well. And the kids loved the pictures, and they had LOTS of questions about it. Which made if for fun.