Babushka: A Christmas Tale
Babushka: A Christmas Tale
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Publisher's Hardcover ©2016--
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SkyHorse/Skypony
Annotation: Reminds us that nothing is more important during the holiday season than taking the time to show love for one another.
Genre: [Fairy tales]
 
Reviews: 4
Catalog Number: #135331
Format: Publisher's Hardcover
Publisher: SkyHorse/Skypony
Copyright Date: 2016
Edition Date: 2016 Release Date: 09/06/16
Illustrator: Hall, Amanda,
Pages: 29 pages
ISBN: 1-680-99188-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-680-99188-8
Dewey: 398.2
Dimensions: 27 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

In a lovely recounting of a classic Russian legend, Babushka, an elderly woman who lives alone in a modest cottage, is visited by the three wise men, who urge her to join them as they bring gifts to the newborn king. Babushka stays behind to wash the dishes (she -was forever scrubbing and sweeping, washing and wiping, dusting and polishing-); later, she feels compelled to seek out the child but can-t find the star to guide her. Her journey through the snowy countryside instead leads her to cold and hungry children, whom she helps by giving the food and clothing she has brought with her. Hall-s (Brother Giovanni-s Little Reward) vibrant illustrations feature jewel tones of pink, purple, turquoise, and gold, setting the snowy landscape aglow as Casey (A Lullaby for Little One) gracefully delivers a message about selflessness and how kindness begets kindness. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

School Library Journal (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)

K-Gr 2 A retelling of the traditional Russian Christmas tale in which an old woman is visited by the three travelers following a star in the East to see the "newborn king." Babushka welcomes them in yet refuses their offer to join them on their journey, as there are dishes to wash and crumbs to sweep. But later that night, after waking to the light of the star, Babushka changes her mind and sets off laden with gifts, determined to find the child. The text has a warm and engaging tone, with a satisfying conclusion that focuses on Babushka's kindness and generosity. The immensely satisfying watercolor and crayon illustrations combine swirling patterns and rich textures in tones of blue, purple, gold, and rose. Particularly effective are the snowy exteriors glowing in the starlight. VERDICT Well written and beautifully illustrated, this book will make a lovely addition to holiday collections. Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

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Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)
Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)
Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)
School Library Journal (Sat Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2016)
Reading Level: 2.0
Interest Level: P-2

On the eve of the very first Christmas, an old grandmother is busy tidying her home when a bright star illuminates the sky. Soon three wise men arrive and invite Babushka to join them in their travels—following the star in search of a newborn babe, the Prince of Peace. But there are dishes to be washed, and floors to be swept, and Babushka is too absorbed in her work to leave her home with presents for the baby Jesus.

The next day, when Babushka tries to follow the men, she cannot find their tracks. Instead, she finds a little girl shivering in the cold, and a little boy, his tummy rumbling with hunger. Babushka walks and walks, and everywhere she goes she finds children in need of toys to play with or a shawl to keep them warm. And to each one, she offers a gift from her basket and a smile of light and love.

With beautiful illustrations evoking folk art traditions and sensitive storytelling, Babushka tenderly reminds us that nothing is more important during the holiday season than taking the time to show love for one another. This timeless Russian tale will warm your heart and fill you up with the joyful, generous spirit of Christmas.

Sky Pony Press, with our Good Books, Racehorse and Arcade imprints, is proud to publish a broad range of books for young readers—picture books for small children, chapter books, books for middle grade readers, and novels for young adults. Our list includes bestsellers for children who love to play Minecraft; stories told with LEGO bricks; books that teach lessons about tolerance, patience, and the environment, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.


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