The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring

A beautiful retelling of the classic Russian folktale with lavish full-color oil paintings. Brave deeds and wondrous magic come together in this tale based on classic Russian folklore. A young huntsman named Alexi leaves home seeking adventure and fortune. Instead, he finds the Golden Mare, who pledges eternal loyalty in exchange for sparing her life. With mare’s help, Alexi become the Tsar’s best huntsman, but then the jealous Tsar presents him with several impossible tasks, threatening to have him killed if he fails. Each time, Alexi secretly enlists the help of the Gloden Mare—and succeeds. But his final task is to win Yelena the Fair, a lovely young maiden whom the old Tsar wants as his bride. Will Alexi be able to use his own powers to save himself and Yelena?

Ruth Sanderson is the renowned illustrator and author of over 80 books for children. Her fairy tale retellings have been widely praised and much loved by children everywhere. Her original fairy tale, The Enchanted Wood, won both the Young Hoosier Award and the Bank Street College Award. The Texas Bluebonnet Award was given to her retelling of The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring. Her beautiful and ornate version of the classic fable Goldilocks is the latest addition to the collection. She lives in Easthampton, MA with her husband.