A young and "simple" peasant, with the help of his horses, overcomes seemingly impossible obstacles to win the hand of the woman he loves and become the Tsar of Russia. The young peasant, Ivan, is described as happy-go-lucky, simple, and patient but just as in the most amazing of fairy-tales, he is humble enough to stumble into good fortune and appreciate what is given to him. He is given three colts by a horse as white as snow. The three will be two stallions fit for a Tsar, and "a little humpbacked horse only three feet high with long ears." She goes on to say that this little gift horse will, "be [Ivan's] wisest counselor and keep [him] safe and warm for the rest of [his] days."

Throughout the tale the little two-humped horse helps Ivan find is way, whispering "lie down and sleep now, Ivan, for remember, life seems sweeter in the morning." It's a simple but beautiful message. With unassuming help we can meet insurmountable obstacles and amaze all of those around us. Unlike many tales where the courageous, but simple-minded man wins the girl, his bride to be is not only beautiful, but also clever. She plays a role in changing Ivan's station. With her ingenuity, his humped-back little horse, and his trusting nature, he sails through challenges where many more clever, handsome, and brave had failed.

Russian folktales can be surprising. Appearances are often deceiving and simple fools such as Ivan can become royal heroes. Excitingly, for some readers the Tsarina takes a very active role in avoiding a marriage to a grey-haired and greedy Tsar. The illustrations are come at the beginning of chapters or at pivotal moments, but are not on every page. ( )

A simple peasant boy finds himself the master of the Tsar's stables, after a night-time adventure with a magical white mare gains him two beautiful stallions and a funny, humpbacked horse with long ears. When jealous courtiers seek to undermine him by suggesting impossible tasks to the Tsar, Ivan is rescued time and again by the little humpbacked horse, who helps him to win the Sow with Golden Bristles and Silver Tusks, the Magnificent Mare with Seven Manes, and the beautiful Tsarevna.

A gorgeously-illustrated retelling of a traditional Russian folktale, The Little Humpbacked Horse is an excellent example of the "three task" type story, in which the youngest son always triumphs. Alexander Koshkin's colorful artwork, with its jewel-like tones and expressive little details, makes this version of the tale a visual delight. ( )

In classic Folk tale style the story and challenges are extreme but the illustrations really bring the story to life. I loved the detail in the colorful and cultural illustrations provided by Alexander Koshkin.

Winthrop's adaptation of the Russian tale The Little Humpbacked Horse is not only a story about good versus evil, but importantly about honesty versus deceit. Ivan is faced with dishonesty by the tsar and his own brothers, but keeps faith with his advisor the pony. Although Ivan is introduced a simple, the story proves that simplicity is more important than having every object in sight. The story also shows a strong woman character with Tsarevna, who proves to be strong minded. The illustrations capture the magical essence of the story and appear to be paintings from centuries ago. ( )