Korney Chukovsky: Fly-Tsokotuha. Printed book.

Korney Ivanovich Chukovsky’s famous fairy tale tells of poor Mukha-Tsokotukha (Fly-Tsokotukha), who was seized by a terrifying Spider right in the middle of her birthday party. Tsokotukha’s guests turned cowardly and scattered. Only a fearless little Mosquito rescued Tsokotukha from her plight. And not only did he rescue her, but he also offered her his hand and heart. The Fly did not hold a grudge against her guests, and the whole company danced for joy.
Chukovsky has the ability to portray genuine emotional passion in a single four-word sentence. And in the next one, also of four words, he conveys an entirely opposite mood. This is why, despite the bloodthirsty scenes and vivid description of Tsokotukha’s suffering, the child is left with a sense of celebration and happiness after reading the cheerful ending.
“Mukha-Tsokotukha” with illustrations by V. M. Konashevich was first published under the title “Mukha’s Wedding” in 1924. It is an amazing fact that one of the most popular books today immediately came under the scrutiny of censors. Chukovsky was accused of trying to keep “dying and obsolete forms of everyday life” – name days and weddings – “on the surface of life,” and Konashevich was accused of excessive frivolity in his drawings. Chukovsky had to yield to the critics and rename the fairy tale to the “Mukha-Tsokotukha” we are familiar with today.
In 1959, Konashevich created new illustrations for the book. This version of “Mukha-Tsokotukha” is considered canonical by the artist's own wish. It is this version that has been reproduced in our reprint.

Author: Korney Chukovsky

Illustrations: Vladimir Konashevich

Pages: 16 (coated paper). Softcover

Dimensions: 280×215 mm

Series: Thin masterpieces for the little ones