n Old Russia, things have been pretty much the same for as long as anyone can remember. Most people are dreadfully poor and even the Tsar can travel no faster than a horse can gallop. But what if he had a ship that could fly through the air? He decides to give his daughter’s hand in marriage to the first person who can bring a Flying Ship to the Palace. Who will be the lucky winner? Who but a Fool and his boatload of Fantastic Friends, including the Listener, the Eater, the Strider, the Thirsty-One and Mr. Cool!