Three Gold Pieces

by Aliki

Yannis worked ten years to make enough money to take home to his family. After all that time and labor, he earns only three gold pieces - and now his master wants them back in return for three pieces of advice.

"Aliki's rich illustrations are moving and, in themselves, worth the price", said ALA Booklist of this title.

Genres: Picture Books, Folk Tales, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 12, 1967

About the author

Aliki has written and illustrated many books, both fiction and nonfiction, loved by readers throughout the world. The books were inspired by a word, an experience, or the desire to find out. Aliki lives in London, England.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Yannis, a Greek peasant who can barely afford to feed his family, sets out to find work in the great city, he has no way of knowing that his ten years of hard work will be so poorly rewarded. Three gold coins seems like very little, but when they are exchanged for three pieces of advice, Yannis ends up with nothing...or does he?

This tale of a man who finds his fortune in a most unusual way is an engaging fable about working hard, waiting patiently, and learning to recognize wisdom when one sees it. I found Aliki's colorful, almost pointillist-style illustrations charming - a perfect complement to the story. Recommended to young folklore enthusiasts, as well as to Aliki fans.

[Deanna Sutter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A clever tale focusing on the value of being obedient to the wisdom given you by those you trust.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Gold Pieces- A Greek Folk Tales by Aliki- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- The book narrates the story of a Yannis who is a resident of a Greek city and is a peasant. With his hard work, he is not able to support his family- wife and son. Therefore, he leaves Greece and travels to Constantinople to find work. Here jobs are scarce but still Yannis is informed that a rich man is in need employees, so he visits him and finds employment, residing his house and food included. After 10- years of service, Yannis informs that he will leave for his village and his wages may be provided. Employer provides him three pieces of gold. His master trades the three pieces of gold for three pieces of advice. Yannis listens and moves out towards his village. First advice is not to interfere or comment on anything with which you are not concerned. He follows this advice and is gifted with gold coins. Yannis joins a caravan for his village. At night, the caravan stops for rest. Yannis waists with the donkeys. At night, an earthquake destroys the Sarai. Yannis moves with asses and wealth and reaches his village in his home. In 10- years his features have changed, when he knocks at his door. His wife does not recognize him in the darkness o night. She permits him stay in the shed outside his house. At night he finds that a young man enters his house. Yanni controls his anger and waits for daylight. Youngman comes out and calls his wife as Mother. In the morning, his wife recognizes him and they live happily forever. Moral of the story “Advices faithfully followed, bring fortune and happiness. Coloured illustrations help the reader in relating to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yannis travels from his small village to bustling Constantinople to make his fortune. He trades the three gold coins he earns for 3 pieces of wisdom, which serve him well on the journey back home. One reference to a "Moor" character dates the work somewhat, but nevertheless a good, short tale.

[China Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three Gold Pieces is a cultural narrative about a man named Yannis. The story takes place in a Greek setting of poverty. Three gold pieces are traded for three seemingly useless bits of advice which, when faithfully followed, bring the buyer fortune and happiness. Yannis puts in 10 years of labor in order to make enough money to see his family. He is only able to earn three gold pieces. However, his master wants them back in return for three pieces of advice.

Decorating the pages are both high and low saturated colors and patterns. There is a significant amount of detail with the use of lines and shapes. Illustrations are both chromatic and schematic in color. All of the patterns are creative, but after a while they hurt my eyes. I believe that the use of black and white illustrations is a good way to break up all of the strong simultaneous color contrasts.

Themes in Three Gold Pieces include hope, faith and determination. These are all wonderful things to teach younger children as they are growing and learning. This book is a good read that I would recommend to other young readers.

[Suzette Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book, for telling to adults and children. The moral meaning can really hit home and advice we all need to heed too every day of our lives.