Tolstoi for the young: Select tales from Tolstoi

This volume gathers several of Tolstoy’s most beloved short fables, rendered in a clear, lively translation that works well for younger ears. Bright colour plates add a visual sparkle, while the narratives keep the original warmth and moral subtlety. Listeners will find stories about love, justice, simple wisdom, and the everyday magic of Russian village life.

The first tale follows Ivan the Fool, the gentle son of a prosperous peasant, who stays home to tend the farm while his ambitious brothers chase war and trade. When the brothers demand their share of the family’s wealth, Ivan, unassuming yet clever, agrees to give them what they ask, setting the stage for a mischievous devil and his tiny helpers to try to stir conflict. As the plot unfolds, Ivan’s quiet patience and unexpected wit begin to turn the devil’s scheme on its head, offering a playful look at how kindness can outsmart greed.