Sirko and the Wolf

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Bibliography:

Kimmel, Eric A. 1997. SIRKO AND THE WOLF: A UKRAINIAN TALE. Ill. by Robert Sauber. New York, Holiday House. ISBN 0823412571

Summary:

Sirko has loyally served his owners, but one day his master’s wife determines that he is too old to be of any use to the family.  So off to the forest Sirko is taken by his master and left.  Shortly Sirko meets a wolf who helps him in his time of need.  The wolf hatches a plan to get Sirko back in the good graces of his master and the master’s wife.  The plan works and Sirko is showered with praise and indulgences.  However, as he is home in a warm bed, he knows that he wouldn’t be where he is without the wolf’s help.  Sirko also knows he must find a way to repay the wolf, so he invites the wolf to come to the harvest feast at his home.  The wolf discerns that he would be unwelcome, so together they devise how the wolf can be part of the feast.  All goes according to plan until the guests start playing music.  Then the plan goes awry, and Sirko has to pretend to chase away the wolf to fool his master and the guests.  Finally, when Sirko and the wolf are together again, they realize that no matter who you are or where you live you can be friends on your own terms. 

Critical Analysis:

In Sirko and the Wolf, Eric Kimmel has enlightened readers with an adaptation of a Ukrainian folk tale.  His characters are connectable with readers of all ages; however older children will more likely appreciate and gain more meaning from the tale than younger children.  With each turn of the page, a reader can feel for and relate with the events in the story even though the main characters are talking animals. 

For me, the most relatable line in the story is, “I don’t mind being hungry and cold, as long as I can sing when I please.  I would rather be free than fed.”  In keeping with folk tale tradition, it is apparent by this memorable statement from the wolf that this tale has a moral to be realized by readers.  This line speaks volumes in so many ways.  Such as, the historical strife that the Ukraine has been through, happiness doesn't come from things, and to be true to yourself.  In addition, readers can glean other morals from this folk tale, for example repay friends with kindness, help others in need, and you can be friends no matter your differences.

Robert Sauber’s richly detailed illustrations add to the appeal of this tale.  Readers will be drawn to the folk art like paintings as much as to the story itself.  Each page of illustrations draws the tale further along, giving a deeper understanding to the story.  It feels as if you are under the table with the wolf and see Sirko looking in at you from the outside when Sirko hides the wolf under the table before the start of the feast.  This book is just as much a work of art as it is a story, sure to ensue pride in a Ukrainian tradition.

Finally, the Ukrainian culture is abundantly represented in this adaptation by Kimmel and Sauber.  The depicted mountainous landscape, the bandora that the farmer plays, the name Sirko, and the farming community all have Ukrainian cultural ties.  Also helping is Kimmel’s personal familial connection to the Ukraine that is apparent in this adaptation.  This folk tale is definitely a phenomenal addition to anyone’s multicultural folk tale collection.

Review Excerpts:

"rich, evocative illustrations" –School Library Journal

“Illustrated with impressionistic paintings that vividly dramatize each scene, this picture book tells a story that will please the many dog lovers in the world.” –Booklist

Connections:

-Read other Eric Kimmel adaptations of folk tales

-Read Ukrainian Folk Tales by, Irina Zheleznova

-Research the Ukraine

-Illustrate the moral(s) of this folk tale

-Orally retell this folk tale using a felt board and felt board characters