Gennady Spirin Books

Simply Read Books

This book was inspired by the Baal Shem Tov, a great teacher who lived in the Ukraine in the 18th century. It is a story about how all of us have the ability to unlock the gates of heaven--no matter how unworthy we think we are. For when we go against out selfish natures, we make miracles happen, in our lives and in the lives of others. We must never forget that hidden behind a large amount of darkness is a large amount of light. --Madonna

In all the world there is said to be nothing more beautiful than the Firebird. When Ivan-Tsarevitch, youngest son of the Tsar, goes on a quest for the amazing bird, he finds himself flying over mountains and woods on a talking wolf, confronting a wicked Baba Yaga, and rescuing an enchanted princess from Koshchei the Immortal. But when he returns from his magical journey, he brings home the most precious treasure of all. Gennady Spirin brings this original version of the Firebird tale from his native Russia and has illustrated it in his trademark rich, luminous style. This retelling of a classic is sure to become the new standard.

Philipok wants to go to school like his older brother. But his mother says no, he must stay home with Grandma. Little Philipok is determined to go and slips out of the house to make his way to school through the snow. He is cold and frightened when he arrives, and soon finds that he must earn the privilege to stay. Simple, lyrical prose, a rich palette, and fine illustrations bring Leo Tolstoy's classic tale to life. "Detailed, warm, and sumptuous, Spirin's illustrations create a romantic mood that brings richness to Beneduce's unadorned text." ( The Horn Book )

"Kashtanka" is an 1887 short story by Anton Chekhov. It follows the adventures of Kashtanka, a young foxey-looking mongrel owned by a drunken carpenter named Luka Alexandrovich. After getting lost due to her own mischief and being frightened by a military band, Kashtanka finds herself in a state of hunger and desperation. She reflects on her dire situation, contemplating the impossibility of living in such conditions. As she huddles by the entrance of an unfamiliar house, the story explores themes of survival, the bond between humans and animals, and the struggles of life from the perspective of a lost and vulnerable creature. Chekhov's narrative captures the emotional depth of Kashtanka's plight, inviting readers to empathize with her journey and the challenges she faces in a world filled with uncertainty.

6 bekannte Märchen von Hans Christian Andersen (1805-1875) u.a. äDäumelinchenä, äDer standhafte Zinnsoldatä, äDie Nachtigallä, äDie Prinzessin auf der Erbseä. - Ab 8.

A portly Prussian soldier has an adventure during the Franco-Prussian War.