by Jonathan Kruk Illustrated by Rob Bridges
This book is, itself, magical for several reasons. First, it is a charming story based on a Latvian folktale. King Kraukis is feeling lonely. He’s got his children with him, Prince Koku, Prince Balt, and Princess Sofija, but he is still feeling lonely. You see, his castle seems to be too far away for anyone to visit, so he is lonely. But then Princess Sofija has the best of ideas; she tells her father about the Magical Wonderful Bul Bul Bird, and if they had this bird, people would come from far and wide to see its beauty. The eldest prince is determined to find the bird and bring it back, but when he doesn’t return, the second prince vows to find his brother and bring the bird back himself. But when the second brother doesn’t return, the “prudent” princess Sofija goes (something she had wanted to do all along, but was dismayed to find she is a girl). Does she find her brothers? Is the Bul Bul bird dangerous? Will the princess return to her father alive?
The second reason this book is magical, at least for me, is its absolutely charming vocabulary. In particular, it uses complex words that children will enjoy pronouncing and learning, such as “prudent, azure, sovereign, boombosity, pompous, imperious.” This delight in language is why I love it when children’s books include challenging yet fun vocabulary.
And the third is the illustrations. The artist Rob Bridges’ illustrations remind me of the old pictures you’d find in fairytale books, intricate, odd, fantastical and sometimes a little creepy!
This book is a special addition to any children’s library.
Thank you to Netgalley and 4U2B Books and MediaFor the copy
Ink And Spine 