Music for the Tsar of the Sea

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Sadko is a fine young Russian musician who earns his living playing his
harp at weddings and feasts. One day, when he is playing alone on the
shore of a lake, a giant man with sea-green hair and a crown on his head
emerges from the water to thank him. It is the Tsar of the Sea. The
music has pleased the Tsar so much that he bestows a great treasure on
Sadko. All he asks, in return, is that Sadko promise to visit him at his
palace under the waves. Sadko quickly agrees. Many years pass and Sadko
does not honor his promise to the Tsar. One stormy night, when Sadko is
traveling around the world on his own ship, the vessel becomes
immobilized in mid-sea. The crew is dumbfounded, but Sadko knows that
the Tsar has found him. It is now Sadko’s turn to face the music, and
he throws himself over the side of the ship to fulfil his promise.

Celia Barker Lottridge tells this traditional Russian folktale in a
classic fairy-tale style. Unlike many modern literary characters, both
Sadko and the Tsar have complex personalities; Lottridge’s intricate
narrative allows both their good and bad mannerisms to show through.
Harvey Chan’s lavish illustrations combine rich historical detail with
luscious swirling colors. Highly recommended.