Boris Threeson and Other Ukrainian Folk Tales Retold in English

Lois Provost Turchetti is a professional children’s storyteller (in
English and Caribbean Creole), who also conducts educational workshops
in Toronto.

This anthology of English-language translations of 15 Ukrainian and
German tales includes a pronunciation guide, a glossary, and authors’
notes. Told in simple language and filled with enchantment, the stories
embody universal folk wisdom.

A contest of wits is featured in “The Devil and the Gypsy,” in
which we learn that even the poorest and most unlikely among us can
conquer great odds with excellent communications skills. In “The Lute
Player,” Tsarina’s strategy for rescuing her husband demonstrates
that wisdom and courage outweigh might alone, and that music and
minstrels are a country’s true “gold.” “The Tremendous Turnip”
explains how the beetle came to be the weakest member of the
turnip-pulling team, since she overvalued her contribution.

Despite the charm of the stories, readers should be aware of the
difference between stereotypes and archetypes (“black” horseman, the
“gypsy,” etc.), since the purpose of the tales is to overcome such
stereotypical views. Recommended with reservations.