Baboushka: A Christmas Folktale from Russia - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0763616192 ISBN 13: 9780763616199

Publisher: Candlewick, 2001

Synopsis

This holiday Baboushka tale blends the Nativity with the tradition of Christmas gift giving.

Everyone in the village is bubbling with excitement about the new star in the sky—everyone except old Baboushka, who is busy sweeping, scouring, and polishing her house. Then three strangers arrive. When Baboushka invites them to stay the night, they ask her to join their search for a new baby—an infant king. But Baboushka is too busy with her chores. When at last she follows, bearing gifts for the baby, the newborn king is gone. Some say Baboushka continues her search to this very day, and at Christmas—whenever she sees a sleeping child or hears of good deeds—she will lift a toy from her basket and leave it.

About this title

About the Author:

Arthur Scholey is the author of many stories for children, a large number of which have aired on BBC Radio. About BABAOUSHKA, he says, "I’ve always loved this tale, mainly because there’s some of Baboushka in all of us. One aspect echoes the ’go for it’ call to which the kings and shepherds in the story so readily respond. Another helps us to share with Baboushka the regret for those times when we don’t go for it."

Helen Cann trained in fine art and illustration and has illustrated several children’s books, including A CHILD'S BOOK OF CELTIC PRAYERS. About BABOUSHKA, she says, "I’m very interested in patterns and
decoration from different countries and cultures. The rich folk tradition of Russia means that the clothes, furniture, and even the houses are highly decorative and brightly colored, so painting the pictures for BABOUSHKA was great fun."

From Publishers Weekly:

All the villagers are agog with news of a star and a procession all but the house-proud Baboushka, who's too busy keeping things tidy. She declines the three kings' offer to join them on their journey, a decision she later regrets when she finally sets out alone for Bethlehem and arrives after the newborn king is gone. Sholey's nifty folktale carries a thoughtful message, and Cann embroiders her watercolor illustrations with Russian folk art motifs. Ages 4-8.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Candlewick
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0763616192
• ISBN 13: 9780763616199
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Cann Helen