Folk Tales from the Russian

"Folk Tales from the Russian" by Verra Xenophontovna is a compilation of Russian stories shared with young readers, probably around the start of the 1900s. The book hopes to save old Russian stories, traditions, and fairy tales, and to show the happiness, hardships, and lessons of early Slavic life. With main characters like the valiant Prince Ivan and the mysterious Baba Yaga, the book gives American kids a look into the wonderful world of Russian folklore. The book starts with a message about how important it is to save fading folk tales as the world changes. The first story, "The Tsarevna Frog," tells of young Prince Ivan, who has to wed a frog when his arrow lands in a swamp, starting a magical journey where his frog bride shows her hidden beauty and brains. As the story goes on, Ivan faces his destiny, encounters difficult problems, and discovers friendship and bravery in strange places. The tale illustrates understanding the meaning of accepting life's path and realizing that love is more than just looks.