Old Peter's Russianttales

OK, yeah, my title is a truism, but I think it applies here. If you like old-fashioned folk tales, as opposed to Disneyesque fairy tales, then you'll love this book. In other words, if you like the original Grimm tales, as opposed to the cleaned-up and defanged versions you often see nowadays, then you'll love this book. If you only let your kids read stuff where nobody is ever naughty and where nothing is really scary, then you should pass on this. Examples: One story has a bad-tempered man who hits people, and who gets his comeuppance in the end. Several stories have a traditional Russian witch, who is dangerous and not particularly nice, but who is also not altogether evil. I think I enjoyed it more than my kids, so I only gave it 4 stars, since I think most people would buy this for a kid. Best people to buy this for: adults who like folk tales, kids 8+ if good reading skill, kids 11+ if average reading skill, parents who are sick and tired of the usual pablum they are forced to read to their kids at bedtime.

This was the first storybook that was ever read to me. The Book tells the story of an uncle that lives in the chill of Russia during the winter with his nephews. As days go by, he starts telling stories to them ...These stories, are perfect for children ages 10 and up. They are written pretty much as fables, all of them having some kind of insight as to how people are. No violence is included in the text, though some is meant to be understood, as in Little Red Riding Hood. Do get this book. Read it out loud to your young and see their reaction.