The King of the Birds

Gamayun Tales Vol. 1

Look inside
Hardcover
$16.95 US
7"W x 10.56"H x 0.53"D  
On sale Apr 10, 2018 | 72 Pages | 9781910620380
Grade 5 & Up
Reading Level: Fountas & Pinnell Q

An action-packed debut title for middle grade readers with an appetite for folklore and mythology, who are ready to move beyond storybook fairy tales. Debut author Alexander Utkin, retells the Slavic myths of his youth in a stunning new graphic novel, illustrated in a bold new style. 

When a merchant nurses the King of Birds back to health after he is injured in a great war, he is offered a great reward. Together they travel far across the land to the domains of the King's three sisters to claim the merchant's prize... but will they give up that which is most precious to them?
Alexander Utkin is an illustrator, comic artist, designer and musician from Russia. He studied at Moscow State University of Printing Arts, graduating in 2006 with a Master of Arts. The Gamayun Tales are based on Russian folks tales from his youth.
"Utkin’s rendering of Russian mythology succeeds through its use of simple folklore and inspired artwork."
Library Journal

"Utkin’s work is mesmerizing and haunting both visually and narratively, his striking characters wavering between majestic and malevolent."
Publishers Weekly

"If you grew up on Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire’s books of Greek, Norse and American mythology, poring over the pictures at least as much as the text, then this is what you’re looking for in the modern era. Beautiful character design, vibrant color and nicely varied panel structure..."—Paste Magazine, "The 20 Best Kids Comics of 2018"

“...one may remember that fairytales are most often told to children. But while kids will certainly enjoy The King Of Birds, Alexander Utkin imbues this book with an energy that is enchanting to all.”—The Comics Journal

"Utkin’s art is different from that found in most mythology books; his vigorous lines and vibrant colors beautifully portray all kinds of animals and mythical creatures in action."
VOYA Magazine

"Utkin’s series of graphic novels based on Russian folklore features lush illustrations that alternate between crisp figure drawings and natural elements that seem to burst off the page."Meduza
 

About

An action-packed debut title for middle grade readers with an appetite for folklore and mythology, who are ready to move beyond storybook fairy tales. Debut author Alexander Utkin, retells the Slavic myths of his youth in a stunning new graphic novel, illustrated in a bold new style. 

When a merchant nurses the King of Birds back to health after he is injured in a great war, he is offered a great reward. Together they travel far across the land to the domains of the King's three sisters to claim the merchant's prize... but will they give up that which is most precious to them?

Author

Alexander Utkin is an illustrator, comic artist, designer and musician from Russia. He studied at Moscow State University of Printing Arts, graduating in 2006 with a Master of Arts. The Gamayun Tales are based on Russian folks tales from his youth.

Praise

"Utkin’s rendering of Russian mythology succeeds through its use of simple folklore and inspired artwork."
Library Journal

"Utkin’s work is mesmerizing and haunting both visually and narratively, his striking characters wavering between majestic and malevolent."
Publishers Weekly

"If you grew up on Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire’s books of Greek, Norse and American mythology, poring over the pictures at least as much as the text, then this is what you’re looking for in the modern era. Beautiful character design, vibrant color and nicely varied panel structure..."—Paste Magazine, "The 20 Best Kids Comics of 2018"

“...one may remember that fairytales are most often told to children. But while kids will certainly enjoy The King Of Birds, Alexander Utkin imbues this book with an energy that is enchanting to all.”—The Comics Journal

"Utkin’s art is different from that found in most mythology books; his vigorous lines and vibrant colors beautifully portray all kinds of animals and mythical creatures in action."
VOYA Magazine

"Utkin’s series of graphic novels based on Russian folklore features lush illustrations that alternate between crisp figure drawings and natural elements that seem to burst off the page."Meduza
 

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Join us this month and beyond to celebrate the cultures and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Browse a curated selection of fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators that we are sure your students will love. Find our collections of titles here: Elementary

Read more

Reading with Purpose Summit Event

On Monday, June 10th, Penguin Random House Education and DK Learning co-hosted a Reading with Purpose Summit Event in collaboration with Molly Ness, PhD. The event took place at Penguin Random House’s NYC headquarters and included sessions featuring leading education experts and a lunchtime author panel. The in-person professional learning event was built to show

Read more

2024 Elementary School Collection

The Penguin Random House Education Elementary School Collection features outstanding fiction, nonfiction, and picture books from Penguin Young Reader’s, Random House Children’s, DK, and Grupo Editorial, as well as children’s publishers distributed by Penguin Random House. Explore online or download this valuable resource to discover great books in specific topic areas such as: Leveled Readers,

Read more

DK Learning Phonic Books Sampler Request

Thank you for your interest in DK Learning | Phonic Books. To download the DK Learning | Phonic Books sampler with four complete readers, please click here and complete the form. Once your information is successfully submitted, a link to download the sampler will be provided on the confirmation screen.   Click here to learn

Read more

PRH Education Translanguaging Collections

Translanguaging is a communicative practice of bilinguals and multilinguals, that is, it is a practice whereby bilinguals and multilinguals use their entire linguistic repertoire to communicate and make meaning (García, 2009; García, Ibarra Johnson, & Seltzer, 2017)   It is through that lens that we have partnered with teacher educators and bilingual education experts, Drs.

Read more