Babushka's Mother Goose [Hardcover]

Patricia Polacco (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 1995 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Colorful folk-art illustrations with a Russian flavor complement an original collection of rhymes, riddles, and tales based on the original Mother Goose.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Renowned for portraying favorite episodes of her family's history in her picture books, Polacco (Pink and Say; Chicken Sunday) here mines the treasures of her grandmother's Russian heritage. Many of the 24 stories and rhymes in this unusual volume are culled from the storytelling sessions Polacco remembers sharing with her beloved Babushka. While a couple of the narratives are clunky, children will relish the generally jaunty language and the sound of foreign names and places ("Babushka pulled Diadushka,/ Diadushka pulled the turnip;" "Klootchka Plootchka count your little toes;" "The Train to Ivanovo." Some of her strongest work, the gouache and pencil illustrations here show an impressive range of composition. In a slight stylistic shift, Polacco has included a cast of whimsically drawn, anthropormophic animals that have a clean, childlike simplicity. These new characters fit right in with her typically robust and kind human figures bedecked in bold Russian frocks. This exotic-flavored volume is a welcome addition to the nursery rhyme shelf. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 1?Polacco credits her storytelling Babushka as the reshaper of many of the 24 rhymes and stories in this collection, borrowed from such sources as Aesop, Moldavian folktales, and Mother Goose. Some are variations of familiar tales, while others are original family stories. Each selection is seasoned with a distinctly Russian flavor through a combination of tap-your-toe text and bright, homespun illustrations. The wonderfully cozy experience of settling into the security of a grandmother's lap is re-created, from the vibrant warmth of the pictures to the bouncy verses that invite participation. The integrated arrangement of the full-page artwork, the textured detail of the characters' clothing, and the charming decorative borders complement the traditional folkloric theme. Although scores of Mother Goose collections are available, this one offers both variety and an entertaining introduction to Russian folk literature. Whether sharing the book with one child or a story time audience, the family treasures within are meant to be read aloud, repeated, and celebrated. Be sure to pair it with the author's Babushka Baba Yaga (Philomel, 1993).?Sarabeth Kalajian, Venice Public Library, FL
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Philomel; First Edition edition (September 28, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399227474
• ISBN-13: 978-0399227479
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,555,353 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born Patricia Ann Barber in Lansing, Michigan, to parents of Russian and Ukrainian descent on one side and Irish on the other, Patricia Polacco grew up in both California and Michigan. Her school year was spent in Oakland, California, and summers in her beloved Michigan. She describes her family members as marvelous storytellers. "My fondest memories are of sitting around a stove or open fire, eating apples and popping corn while listening to the old ones tell glorious stories about their homeland and the past. We are tenacious traditionalists and sentimentalists.... With each retelling our stories gain a little more Umph!"Studying in the United States and Australia, Patricia Polacco has earned an M.F.A. and a Ph. D. in art history, specializing in Russian and Greek painting, and iconographic history. She is a museum consultant on the restoration of icons. As a participant in many citizen exchange programs for writers and illustrators, Patricia Polacco has traveled extensively in Russia as well as other former Soviet republics. She continues to support programs that encourage Russo-American friendships and understanding. She is also deeply involved in inner-city projects here in the U.S. that promote the peaceful resolution of conflict and encourage art and literacy programs.The mother of a grown son and a daughter, Patricia Polacco currently resides in Michigan, where she has a glorious old farm that was built during the time of Lincoln.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars tales that teach, September 10, 2000

By 

jennifer (usa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Babushka's Mother Goose (Hardcover)

When I first purchased this book it was because of the cute short story and captions. When I read it to my son I was so excited to see a story in it about the golden child. You see I adopted my son from Russia and his caregiver had nicknamed him the golden child. I was so happy to see the story behind his nickname. This book is perfect for bedtime stories and is great for learning about tales of his heritage.

2.0 out of 5 stars Too Many Very Short Stories, November 9, 2006

By 

Sergei (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Babushka's Mother Goose (Hardcover)

Some of the stories are nice but are too short in duration. I would have liked lengthier stories (more than a paragraph) for bedtime reading so unfortunately, I rarely go to this book to read to my kids.