A Tale of Two Brothers

Morris is kind and thoughtful, even looking out for ants along a path. Boris is spiteful and selfish, so it’s hardly confounding when he refuses to fix the roof. Morris climbs the lofty hill, deciding to do it on his own. He stops every now and then to speak to the creatures of the Earth. The forest witch vows to give him something he’ll always remember. When he returns, his brother notices his back is upright; his hump is gone. So, Boris sets off, retracing Morris’s steps, hoping for the same good fate. When he returns, his is exponentially larger. From this, he learns a difficult lesson and vows to change.

This story is derived from Swiss-Italian folklore and parallels American fables and fairytales that emphasize the importance of personal character and the outcomes associated with it. Children will find this ancient tale relatable and will recall people in their lives who resemble the siblings.

The illustrations are intricately detailed, appearing in black and white with periodic profusions of color. Mysterious eyes are illusively hidden throughout the spreads, providing youth with a challenging opportunity to search for them. Those ages five to ten will most enjoy this timeless narrative.