Krystyna Turska (1933–2002)

When a poor young woman ventures deep into the woods gathering mushrooms, and happens upon the enchanted well of which she has been warned, her compassion for the one trapped inside leads to a dizzying change of circumstance. Now the wife of a mysterious prince, and living in a splendid castle, Tamara is still unhappy, for she does not know her husband's name, and sees him only three days out of the year. But will her questions lead to happiness or tragedy...?

This lovely tale, in which a worthy peasant girl frees her princely husband from the enchantment of a wicked sea witch, is retold and illustrated by Krystyna Turska, the Polish-British author who was awarded the Kate Greenaway Medal in 1972 for The Woodcutter's Duck. I am not entirely sure that this is a genuine Russian folktale, as I have never encountered it in any other collection, but my experience with Turska's other titles leads me to suspect that it is. However that may be, Tamara and the Sea Witch is an engaging story, with charming, stylized illustrations. Well worth the time of any folklore enthusiast!… (más)

When Bartek the woodcutter saves the King of the Frogs in this Polish folk tale, his kindness is rewarded with the ability to summon storms. But what use does a simple woodcutter have for wild winds and rain? Quite a bit, as Bartek discovers when his beloved pet duck is threatened...

This charming tale of a simple man who saves his animal companion from harm won Britain's Kate Greenaway Medal - awarded annually to the best-illustrated children's book - in 1972. The story of The Woodcutter's Duck will resonate with anyone who has loved an animal, and the humorous illustrations will entertain. I myself first encountered Krystyna Turska's work through her marvelous picture book, The Magician of Cracow, and consider that the superior book, both in terms of narrative and artwork. However that may be, I am glad to have found another title by this talented author.… (más)

Based upon the Polish legend of Pan Twardowski, an astronomer and alchemist said to have lived in 16th-century Krakow, this gorgeously-illustrated picture book relates the tale of a magician who dreams of visiting the moon. When his many years of study fail to bring him any closer to his goal, he makes a bargain, Faust-like, with the devil...

The winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal (awarded to the most distinguished picture book published in Great Britain) in 1972 for The Woodcutter's Duck, Krystyna Turska delivers another beautiful folktale retelling with The Magician of Cracow. I regret that I did not encounter this book when a child, as I would have enjoyed poring over some of the more intricate panels, like the one of the magician in his study, for hours.… (más)