"One of my earliest and most treasured memories was nestling into my Babushka's soft, ample lap. I snuggled in, full of expectation for a story, tale, or rhyme..." That's how Patricia Pollaco, who authored the book, starts it - with memories and dedication to all babushkas, all grandmothers who hold their little ones in their laps and fill their souls with wonder and joy.
Patricia's grandmother's homeland was Ukraine. But as a great "borrower", she reshaped tales from Mother Goose, Aesop, as well as from Ukrainian, Russian and Moldavian folklore. "Nina's Kittens", "Svetlana's Pancakes", "Misha's Goat", "The Little Angel" and "The Golden Child" - these rhymes, all accompanied by delightful color pictures, will surely bring a smile to your child's face.
"The Train to Ivanovo" is the original nursery tale by Patricia Pollaco based on "The House That Jack Built". Other stories in rhymes, like "The Diadushka Planted a Turnip" and "The Clay Pot", came from Ukrainian folk tales. An impressive collection of rhymes - with some wisdom, some humor or just plain nonsense! Add to it boldly painted scenes of people and animals dashing around and happily kicking up claws, paws and heels, and you will get a winner!
In English language. Publisher: Puffin Books. Sturdy softcover. 64 pages. For ages 3 to 7.
