Three Tales by Alexander Pushkin. A Verse Adaptation

Long before Cinderella entered the English language, Russia had its own fairy tales—sharper, stranger, and equally unforgettable. This collection presents three of Alexander Pushkin's most beloved tales to English-language readers for the first time in flowing rhyming verse, written specifically for young readers aged 7 to 13 . The Tale of the Fisherman and the Goldfish An old fisherman catches a magical goldfish who begs for freedom, and in return, grants him any wish. He asks for nothing. His wife asks for everything. From a new basin to a magnificent palace, even rule over the sea itself. Her demands become increasingly frantic with each visit to the shore, until the fish decides she's had enough. A story about greed, gratitude, and knowing when to stop. The Tale of the Golden Cockerel An aging king, weary of war, receives, in exchange for a favor (the name of which will be given later), a magical golden cockerel that will warn him of approaching danger. When the wizard finally names his price, the king discovers that some promises are worth far more than gold, and some warnings come too late. A story about the price of broken vows. The Tale of the Sleeping Princess and the Seven Heroes A jealous queen, a magic mirror that always tells the truth, and a princess more beautiful than her stepmother can bear. This is the Russian answer to Snow White, with its poisoned apple, seven devoted heroes in the forest, and a prince who refuses to give up. A story of kindness, loyalty, and love that never ceases to search. Each tale is a poetic adaptation, not a strict translation. This retelling preserves the wit, rhythm, and warmth of Pushkin, while flowing naturally in English rhyme. A brief glossary at the end of each story explains more complex words, making these tales easy to read aloud or to read independently. Whether you grew up with these stories in another language or are discovering them for the first time, this collection opens the door to one of the world's greatest fairy tale traditions, with the same magic, the same warnings, and the same wonder that have kept readers returning again and again for two hundred years. Perfect for bedtime reading, classroom read-alouds, or any child (or adult) who loves fairy tales with real teeth.