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(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Stephen Costanza.
This retelling of a Ukrainian tale pairs two mothers--spider and human--doing the best for their families on a cold Christmas Eve. The story's sentiments are moving, though the self-conscious narrative veers toward saccharine. The folksy illustrations are much more successful: varying perspectives, delicate lines, and frosty scenes imbue the tale with holiday magic.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| August, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-1743-8$16.95
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Katya Krenina.
When her mother discovers spiders living in the family's Christmas tree, Katrusya insists the tree remain indoors to keep the creatures from freezing. The spiders reward Katrusya's kindness by turning their webs to silver. Kimmel incorporates Ukrainian words and phrases into the text for better appreciation of the folktale and culture. Krenina's oil paintings, in lush, warm tones, are quietly festive.
Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2010
32 pp.
| Scholastic
| October, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-439-92544-0$16.99
(1)
K-3
Illustrated by
Barbara McClintock.
In this take on the Ukrainian folktale, Aylesworth's polished text shows its storytelling roots with perfect pacing, precisely chosen details, and participatory repetition. In McClintock's energetic pictures, the mitten is red, giving a splash of color to each illustration as the animals squeeze themselves in; the explosion of the mitten after the little mouse enters is spectacular.
Reviewer: Susan Dove Lempke
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2009
32 pp.
| Holiday
| October, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1565-1$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Katya Krenina.
Kimmel and Krenina set this artful retelling of a Latvian folktale in Ukraine. The simpleton youngest son inherits the farm, only to give it to his older brothers so he can join his cat bride in her enchanted castle. Exquisite mixed-media illustrations enhance the sense that all is not what it seems.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| March, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-8234-1384-5$$16.95
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Katya Krenina.
Villagers shelter golden birds in their homes during a bitter winter and are rewarded with pysanky--gorgeously decorated eggs--on Easter Sunday. Exquisitely detailed illustrations complete this engaging tale: pale yellow backgrounds reflect the birds' golden feathers, borders echo the designs on the eggs, and the Ukrainian costumes are lovingly rendered.
32 pp.
| Philomel
| May, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-399-23168-4$$16.99
(3)
K-3
In a Russian twist on "The Fisherman and his Wife," modest peasant girl Luba frees an enchanted wren and is granted a wish. Her parents ask for grander and grander situations, but when they ask to be as gods, they find themselves back in their original dacha, content at last. Polacco's detailed watercolors set this retelling firmly in old Russia. No source note is included.