In the sky of domestic science fiction, the planet of Vladislav Krapivin revolves around a special orbit. A special one, since the early 1960s, when the writer Krapivin entered our reading circle and made a name for himself in literature. However, the name is for us, the readers. For those who awarded titles and ranked writers, reader recognition is not a law. Krapivin eternally passed through the domain of children’s literature. This is externally understandable. The main characters of Krapivin’s books are boys. But the author sends them sailing through the turbulent seas of life, without making any allowances or discounts for their boyish age. Each hero must follow his own path, and he has one, while preserving himself. Because qualities such as Honor, Courage, and Justice never lose their shine, like a sword in a musketeer's hand. The theme of flight is especially loved by readers, and even more so by science fiction readers. Because it is one of the most successful and fruitful literary themes. Such first-class masters as C.S. Lewis, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Ray Bradbury, and Alexander Belyaev have left their mark in "heavenly" literature, and it’s impossible to list them all. With every right, Vladislav Krapivin can be counted in this glorious company. The heroes of his novels, stories, and tales may live on Earth and share the hardships of a difficult life with everyone, but their eyes are directed towards the sky. Because where, if not in the sky, are our treasures hidden? The collection includes the complete cycle of the famous "Flying Tales", as well as the novel "The Guardian of the Lush Islands", thematically related to this cycle.
