Some fairy tales feel as though they have been sitting patiently in the dark, waiting for someone to tell them again. The Golden Apples, written by acclaimed Canadian storyteller Dan Yashinsky and illustrated by Ekaterina Khlebnikova, is one of those stories. Originally rooted in a Cape Breton wonder tale, this lively retelling combines the rhythms of traditional folklore with wonderfully unexpected modern touches. The result is funny, adventurous, and distinctly Canadian.
The story begins when a king discovers that someone—or something—is stealing the golden apples from his garden. His three sons set out to find the thief, but it is Jack, the youngest and least impressive of the brothers, who ultimately takes up the challenge. Jack may be excellent at following recipes, but following directions is another matter entirely. Along the way, he encounters a clever talking fox, a golden bird, a magnificent horse, a princess, and a succession of increasingly difficult challenges.
What makes Jack such an appealing hero is that he is far from perfect. He repeatedly receives good advice and then manages to ignore it at exactly the wrong moment. His mistakes are both funny and frustrating, but they also make him feel much more human than the flawless heroes of many traditional fairy tales. Jack succeeds not because he is the strongest or smartest person in the story, but because he is persistent, kind-hearted, and willing to keep going when things go wrong. Purchase it at Golden Apples, The – Running the Goat Books & Broadsides or win it in our Giveaway section.
Yashinsky’s storytelling background is evident throughout the book. The prose has the energy of a story being performed aloud, with surprising turns, comic details, and a strong sense of anticipation. The tale is substantial for a picture book, but its length feels purposeful. It gives the story room to wander, build suspense, and introduce the strange and wonderful characters that make this adventure memorable. The book’s origins in oral storytelling are especially important: this is a story that seems designed to be read aloud and shared.
Khlebnikova’s illustrations are an equally important part of the experience. Her artwork creates a visual world where the ancient and the contemporary happily coexist. Traditional fairy-tale elements appear alongside delightfully modern details, including a princess with a taste for grunge rock. These unexpected touches give the illustrations humour while preserving the mystery and magic of the original tale. The artwork also captures the story’s shifts between comedy, danger, and wonder beautifully.
Perhaps the greatest strength of The Golden Apples is its ability to feel both familiar and fresh. It has all the ingredients of a classic quest story—magic, animals, royal families, impossible tasks, and a humble youngest son—yet Yashinsky approaches them with wit and a contemporary sensibility. Speaking of the familiar, playing on the title, we provide you with Golden Baked Apples in our Recipe section. Apples are in season so indulge yourself with a sweet recipe elevated with a few healthy ingredients!
For families, teachers, librarians, and anyone who loves folklore, The Golden Apples is a delightful choice. It reminds us that the best fairy tales don’t need to be perfectly sensible or predictable. Sometimes they simply need a memorable hero, a little magic, a few mistakes, and a storyteller who knows exactly when to surprise us.
Contents and images used with permission by Running with the Goats Books & Broadsides. Golden Apples, The – Running the Goat Books & Broadsides