The Fool and the Fish: A Tale from Russia

by Gennady Spirin (Illustrator), Lenny Hort (Retold By), Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev

A retelling of the traditional Russian tale in which a lazy fool catches an enchanted fish which promises him that every wish he ever makes will come true.

Genres: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Art

28 pages, Hardcover

First published September 4, 1990

About the author

Gennady Spirin (1948- ) is a Russian painter and children's book illustrator. A graduate of the Surikov School of Fine Art in Moscow and the Moscow Stroganov Institute of Art, he is noted for his unique style of watercolor illustration. He has illustrated works by classic authors such as William Shakespeare, Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy as well as children's books by contemporary celebrities. His oil paintings hang in public and private galleries throughout the world, and he has been profiled by The New York Times. His depiction of The Nutcracker was selected by Saks Fifth Avenue as the centerpiece of their famous Christmas display in 1997 and 1998. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1992, Spirin immigrated with his wife and sons to the United States, ultimately settling in Princeton, NJ, where he has lived and worked since.

(source: Wikipedia)


Alternate spellings:
Gennadij Spirin
Gennadi Spirin
Генадий Спирин
ガナディ・スピリン

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Familiar and not-favorite folktale of a lazy jerk who happens to catch a magic fish, earning infinite wishes, well-illustrated by the outstanding Spirin.

I do wonder if a line got dropped in one scene -- the Tsarina meets the Fool and falls for him, asking her father to marry them. He does, then puts them in a barrel and throws them in the sea. I get why the Tsar is annoyed with the Fool for disturbing the peace, but why is he so mad at his daughter? Why not just say no? Anyone read another version where this makes more sense?

[Saffron Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rating is for the edition retold by Lenny Hort and illustrated by Gennady Spirin.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taken from the collection of Alexander Afanasyev, the famed nineteenth-century Russian folklorist, The Fool and the Fish relates the story of lazy Ivan, the youngest of three brothers, who consider him a fool. When Ivan spares the life of a magical pike, his every wish is granted, and he ends up married to the Tsar's daughter...

The tale of the lucky fool is one that can be found in many cultures, and the theme of three brothers - the youngest of whom turns out to be the hero - is particularly prevalent in the Russian folk tradition. I have encountered this specific tale, in which the hero rides to see the Tsar on his enchanted stove, a number of times before, sometimes under this title, and sometimes as Emelya and the Pike. This lovely picture-book adaptation features Gennady Spirin's beautiful illustrations, with their medieval, tapestry-like sensibility. Well worth the time of any Russian folklore devotee.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently came across an article of the art of Russian artist Gennady Spinin . He was noted as having majestic artistry. How True!!!

Each and every book of his is incredibly detailed. Every book is a joy to behold. It takes awhile for me to read his books, because I am in awe of his talent and re-read each one.

I show the images of each of his book in the hope that those who see his talent will also be in awe!

The Fool and the Fish is a Russian folk tale. Spirin hails from a village outside of Moscow. He now lives with his family in Princeton, NJ. How I wish I had the funds to purchase one of his original paintings. Alas, I will continue to read every book he has illustrated -- as long as I can find them.

In this tale, there are three sons. One of the sons, Ivan is deemed a lazy fool. Coming upon a fish, he is amazed that all his wishes are deemed worthy of coming true. If Ivan wants to be transported across town, all he has to do is wish, and without a horse, he is transported,

When the Tsar learns of Ivan, the lazy fool who can make his wishes come true, he vows to find him. In doing so, Ivan calls for the fish to allow him to capture the heart of the Tsar's beautiful daughter. Infuriated, the Tsar casts them in a barrel thrown into the sea. Even this occurrence is short when Ivan calls upon the fish to transport them ashore to a castle larger than the Tsars.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Apparently this is a retelling of a classic Russian folktale about three brothers - 2 were smart and hardworking, but the third brother was a lazy fool. The foolish brother is given the task of fetching water and comes upon a magical fish. The fish tells the fool that if he will throw him back in the water, he'll grant the fool anything he desires. Through a series of events, the fool is introduced to the Tsar, and marries a princess and they live happily ever after.
I don't know how much of a classic this folktale is in Russia, but I definitely thought there was a cultural element to it. Because of that, I think it might be a little difficult for some young children to relate to. Perhaps some background building might be needed before reading it to young students. Also, the plot might be a little too complex for very young children.
The illustrations are quite sophisticated and add a beautiful visual element to the story. This could be included in a unit on international literature or fairy tales/folktales.

[Natalie Hendry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about three brothers. Two of the brothers were very clever and hardworking, while the third was very lazy. One day the two brothers went to the market and asked the lazy brother to help their wives. The wives told him to get some water and when he did this he caught a fish. The fish was supposed to be magical and give him every wish he asked. He took the fish and kept making wishes, for example to get and chop down wood the fool makes the wish and just like that the wood is chopped. As the fool asked to be taken home he ran over market stalls. An angry mob formed and he wished himself to the palace. All the poor Fool wanted was to let everything let him sleep. The fool made the king’s daughter fall in love with him because of his boldness towards the king. In the end the fool became apart of the royal family.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the pace and flow of the story and its catchy rhythm and repetitive phrase (“fish, fish, grant my wish”) is attractive to children of all ages. Elegant, detailed, and elaborate illustrations compliment the story. The characters’ clothing and the scenery of Russia is captivating and informative. The only aspect I didn’t like was that even though the boy did not use his wishes for vain purposes (power/money), he is never made to work for what he wants, and hard work is not given any value. I felt as though the story didn’t develop to a climax and final solution. Nevertheless, it is sometimes ok to indulge in childhood fantasies of such magic.

[Bri Schupp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This tale from Russia was an interesting find. The illustrations beautifully portray Russian culture and did so much more than simply illustrate the text. This story goes beyond the typical fairy tale and leaves the reader contemplating and questioning. It does not offer clear cut antagonists and protagonists, and leaves you wondering if you are rooting for or against this lazy fool. This story is not didactic in nature. While a resolution is offered, no clear moral is presented. This would be a book to read over and over.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great illustrations and a fun fool tale. I like the refrain, Fish, Fish, grant my wish!

[F. O. · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a terrible lesson! The guy gets everything he wants by being a lazy asshole.