Ludmila Petrushevskaya is a classic of Russian literature, a brilliant storyteller. The book "Queen Lear" includes selected fairy tales by the author. Its characters — princesses and princes, kings and queens, as well as ordinary people — happily overcome various trials and hardships. Goodness and justice prevail, giving the reader confidence in their own abilities, inspiration, and hope.

The fairy tales included in the book "Queen Lear," according to Ludmila Petrushevskaya, were most often composed for children — sometimes on the go, as for her granddaughter, six-year-old Anyutka. The little girl was known for her ability to disappear, so her grandmother would hold her hand tightly throughout the long journey. But before that, she would ask: "Give me a theme." Anyutka would say the first thing that came to her mind, for example: "The Prince with Golden Hair."

And throughout the long journey, the grandmother would compose a fairy tale about a little prince who had truly golden hair that glowed in the dark. The little lively girl would listen intently, without letting go of her hand, frowning: she was anxious. But she did not cry. She awaited a happy ending. And it always came!

In this book, all the fairy tales have a happy ending. Read them! Even aloud.