Mamin-Sibiryak, D. N. The Tale of Komar Komarovich—Long Nose and Shaggy Misha—Short Tail (Skazka pro Komara Komarovicha—dlinnyy nos i pro mokhnatogo Mishu—korotkiy khvost), 1956. In Russian.

Д. Н. Мамин-Сибиряк. Сказка про Комара Комаровича-длинный нос и про мохнатого Мишу-короткий хвост. Художник Е. Рачев. Москва: Детгиз, 1957.
16 с. : ил. ; 22 см. Мягкая издательская обложка. Обычный формат.
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D. N. Mamin-Sibiryak. The Tale of Komar Komarovich—Long Nose and Shaggy Misha—Short Tail. Illustrated by E. Rachev. Moscow: Detgiz, 1957.
16 pp. : ill. ; 22 cm. Softcover. Standard format.

This 1957 edition of Dmitry Mamin-Sibiryak’s beloved fable showcases the writer’s mastery in blending Ural folklore with the classic literary tradition of animal personification. The text provides a deep dive into the internal logic of the forest hierarchy, including the arrangement of the David-versus-Goliath struggle between the tiny, persistent gnat and the clumsy, overbearing bear. Originally part of the "Alyonushka's Tales" cycle, this standalone edition published by "Detgiz" emphasizes the virtues of solidarity and wit over brute force. Mamin-Sibiryak’s prose remains a vital primary source for studying the late 19th-century roots of Russian children's literature, preserving a distinct regional flavor and a profound empathy for the natural world that resonates through the decades.
The physical identity of this mid-century book is defined by the exceptional artistry of Evgeny Rachev, one of the most celebrated illustrators of the Soviet era. Rachev’s anthropomorphic style—clothing animals in traditional Russian peasant costumes—serves as a vital primary source for the study of mid-century book design, blending ethnic authenticity with humorous social commentary. His vibrant, expressive drawings elevate the simple story into a rich visual theater, capturing the expressive personalities of the swamp-dwelling mosquitoes and the disgruntled forest giant. For bibliophiles and collectors of Soviet illustration, this 1957 imprint is a quintessential example of the "Rachev style" during the "Thaw" era, representing a peak in the artistic quality of mass-produced pedagogical literature.