The wonderful Finnish storyteller Zacharias Topelius, as a child, believed that everything in nature lives, feels and can speak. This is probably why in his fairy tales pine trees sing songs to children, wolves speak human language, elves cry while listening to a sad lullaby, and evil trolls just can’t get enough to eat. And yet, the main characters of Topelius’s fairy tales are ordinary boys and girls. An unexpected turn comes in their lives, followed by absolutely incredible adventures. But, despite all the trials that befall children, they remain kind and capable of compassion. It is from such children that strong, brave, courageous and devoted people grow up. Literary and artistic publication. The quality of illustrations has been preserved whenever possible. Artist Sergey Varavin.