More Russian Picture Tales — Review: Worth it?
Parents, teachers, and caregivers often look for short, engaging story collections that introduce children to folklore and fables without overwhelming them with long, dense texts. You want tales that read well aloud, illustrations that spark imagination, and a faithful translation that preserves flavor without feeling impenetrable. More Russian Picture Tales by Valery Carrick positions itself as that kind of book: a compact collection of ten fables from a 1914 source, illustrated by the author and translated by Nevill Forbes. Below I test whether it actually delivers in everyday use.
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Specifications / Materials
- Title: More Russian Picture Tales
- Author / Illustrator: Valery Carrick
- Translator: Nevill Forbes (translation credited as by the author's cousin)
- Content: Ten short fables including “The Cock and the Bean,” “The Goat and the Ram,” and “The Hungry Wolf”
- Edition: Unabridged (original 1914 text)
- Artwork: Black-and-white illustrations by Valery Carrick reproduced in this edition
- Format & Price: Single variant available; listed price $9.99 (USD)
- Image dimensions (cover file): 1500 × 1500 px
Real-world Experience — Pros & Cons
Pros
- Concise, quotable fables: Each story is short and self-contained, making them ideal for bedtime, classroom read-alouds, or short attention spans.
- Illustrations that add personality: Carrick’s black-and-white drawings are expressive and slightly whimsical; they complement the text by giving characters a lively visual identity without cluttering the page.
- Authentic period tone: The 1914 translation preserves an old-fashioned cadence that can be charming and educational—good for introducing children to a different narrative voice.
- Affordable entry point: At $9.99, this is a budget-friendly way to add a classic illustrated title to a family or classroom library.
Cons
- Period language may feel dated: The older translation can read formal or awkward to modern ears; some parents may prefer contemporary rewrites for very young children.
- Limited color and scale: Black-and-white illustrations are evocative but won’t have the visual “pop” of modern full-color picture books—this matters if you want bright, highly illustrated pages for toddler engagement.
- Short selection: Ten tales is a nice sampler, but readers wanting a larger compilation of Russian folklore will need additional volumes.
- Unknown physical specs: If you need information on binding, paper weight, or exact dimensions for library shelving, that detail isn’t prominent in the listing and may require confirmation.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | More Russian Picture Tales | Typical Aesop’s Fables (illustrated editions) |
|---|---|---|
| Illustrations | Black-and-white drawings by the author — expressive and period-appropriate | Varies widely; many modern editions have full color, contemporary art |
| Translation/Voice | Early 20th-century translation (formal, classic tone) | Often modernized and simplified for children |
| Length / Number of stories | Ten short fables — focused collection | Can range from a handful to 50+ stories depending on edition |
| Price | $9.99 (USD) | Varies; many illustrated editions $8–$20 |
Quick take: Compared with mass-market Aesop collections, More Russian Picture Tales stands out for its specific cultural voice and the author’s own line art, but it’s less flashy than colorful modern picture books and offers a smaller selection than many folklore anthologies.
Who Is This Best For?
- Parents and caregivers who appreciate classic translations and want to expose kids to early 20th-century storytelling.
- Educators and librarians building a varied folklore or fables section with historic editions.
- Gift-buyers seeking an affordable, slightly vintage-feeling book for ages roughly 5–10 (read-aloud friendly).
- Collectors of illustrated children’s literature who value author-illustrated works.
Final Verdict
More Russian Picture Tales is worth considering if you want a compact, affordable collection of classic Russian fables with authentic period flavor and expressive black-and-white illustrations. Its short, self-contained stories make it an excellent read-aloud choice and a pleasant addition to a classroom or home library. If you prefer bright, modern artwork or contemporary language for very young listeners, you may want a counterpart edition alongside this one.
Bottom line: A charming, budget-friendly classic that shines for historic voice and illustration — recommended for families and educators who like a traditional touch.
Where to Buy
The edition reviewed is listed at $9.99 (USD). If you plan to purchase through my store, there are discount codes and special offers available at checkout—check the store page for current promotions to save a little on this classic title.