Of all the illustrators I've studied, by far Gennedy Spirin is the most talented. Born in a town near Moscow Russia, he and his family reside in Princeton, NJ. An exceedingly talented artist, his original art is priced way beyond my means. However, I do own most of the books he illustrated, and I cherish each and every one of them.

This is book that was very hard to find, until I came upon the site Thriftbooks.com and was able to obtain the book for a very reasonable price.

A tale of young adult Simeon who dreams of a better life, one that is far from where he lives. He goes on a quest to find a life that can match his dreams. This is a story that begins "Long time ago, when castles and monasteries dotted the land and knights went forth to do brave deeds, when women wove beautfiul tapestries and minstrels played for pauper and prince alike...."

Simeon's dream was to create and sing songs that others would cherish. He left behind his beloved Sorrel, promising to return with gifts worthy of her love. He slept along many river banks and sought his dreams that appeared far out of reach. He heard drummers and many talented musicians. None fulfilled his dream.

He rode many rivers and still was very lonely until one day a bird swooped down and asked for some of his humble meal. He gladly shared and the little bird followed him providing a beautiful song. He found a fish, but released it back in the wather. Like the bird, the fish followed him throughout his journey in his humble boat.

He came upon a deer who needed assistance in removing a pebble and he gladly helped.

As the story continues we learn that the bird, the fish, the deer, his canoe and the sunshine took him back to his beloved Sorrell where he learned the true meaning of happiness. ( )