Coming in 2005
More Precious than Gold
A fairy tale about the value of simple things in life.
By Eva Siroka

More Precious than Gold is reminiscent of Shakespeare's King Lear, in which the old king picks his successor by the worth of his daughters' feelings for him. After declaring that she loves him as much as salt, Maruschka, the youngest daughter of King Wenceslas, and the virtuous Cordelia's double, is banished from her father's kingdom until salt becomes more valued than gold. Maruschka is befriended by a wise woman who rewards the hard-working girl with the everlasting gift of salt at a time when this precious commodity had vanished.

As in the German tale The Way Meat Loves Salt, Maruschka's father learns to value salt during a royal feast when all dishes lack salt. When she returns with a magic salt he chooses Maruschka as his rightful heir and, unlike King Lear and Cordelia, they live happily ever after (read an excerpt).

More Precious than Gold is lavishly illustrated with Eva Siroka’s original art (see samples), making it a delightful learning experience for young and old readers alike. Check back in Fall 2005 to learn more!