Luba and the Wren (Picture Puffins) [Paperback]

Patricia Polacco (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 18, 2002 | Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up | Series: Picture Puffins

When Luba helps a frightened wren, it promises to grant all of her wishes. "I am content, I have no wish," Luba says-at first. Then Luba's parents convince her to ask for a bigger house. After that, they want an estate, and later, they ask for a palace. With the granting of each wish Luba hopes her parents will be satisfied, but instead they only want more. Where will it end? This Russian version of The Fisherman and His Wife masterfully illustrates the rewards of simplicity and the dangers of greed.

"Polacco's freely brushed watercolors are bright with decorative borders, richly patterned clothing, and exotic onion domes." (Booklist)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"Even if it is a bit subtle, the happy ending puts an agreeable spin on the standard version of [`The Fisherman and His Wife'], teaching the same moral in a light and positive manner," said PW. "A timeless, vigorously illustrated tale." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2A variation of a traditional tale. Looking for mushrooms in the forest, a young girl saves a wren from a fowlers net and to show its gratitude, the bird grants her any wish. Luba realizes that she is content and when she declines the wish, the wren tells her, If ever you want for anything, come to the forest and call me. When the child tells her parents about the incident, they send her back to the wren five times, each time asking for a grander home and more riches until, after they have become Emperor and Empress of all the world, they ask to be as Gods. When the wish is granted, they are returned to their former peasant life, but are truly contented and realize that Luba is their greatest treasure. Polaccos signature illustrations are lush and vibrant. The regal colors of royal blue and crimson play against deep green, dappled brown, and ocher of the natural world. Rosy-cheeked Luba appears humble and honest in her babushka and Ukrainian peasant apparel throughout, while her parents, as they increasingly receive greater material wealth, don the clothing of royalty. Scrolled, intricate frames set the text apart from the lively folk-artlike illustrations. Like Rosemary Wellss The Fisherman and His Wife (Dial, 1998), this picture book examines true happiness and the snares of yearning for material things.Shawn Brommer, Southern Tier Library System, Painted Post, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (February 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0698119223
• ISBN-13: 978-0698119222
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #314,115 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( P ) > Polacco, Patricia
  • #24 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Multicultural Stories > Other
  • #47 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Social Sciences > Folklore & Mythology

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 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful version of a classic tale, June 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Luba and the Wren (Picture Books) (Hardcover)

Polacco's book is a time honored theme, this retelling from the Ukraine. When Luba saves the Wren's life her parents insist she return to ask for a favor. The parents never seem to be satisfied and send Luba back time and time again. In the end the parents are returned to the happy couple they were when they started.This book can be successfully compared with any of the many available versions of the Fisherman and His Wife but also contains elements from The Stonecutter -- another tale available in several versions. Sometimes those with seemingly little power/wealth think other situations would make them a different person or happier. And when they do obtain power their humility is lost. Satisfaction seldom comes when one has not earned that power or wealth. Polacco's wonderously beautiful watercolors brings this theme into the full vision of readers. A delightfully new twist on a classic tale.

4.0 out of 5 stars Polacco, need I say more?, October 21, 2008

By 

nic "HOA bookclub" (Lincoln ne) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Luba and the Wren (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

I just can't get enough of this authors thoughts and illustrations. I use most of her books with my students and feel she is a gift to them when ever I open any of her books.

This book has beautiful illustrations, they are rich in color and depth. I do prefer the stories that tie to real life, Thunder Cake, The Keeping Quilt, so many more. This fantasy story does have a wonderful message for us all.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars why another retelling?, August 3, 2005

By 

waldorf_curric - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Luba and the Wren (Picture Puffins) (Paperback)

Patricia Polacco is an extremely talented author but I don't completely understand where she was coming from with this one. The classic story of the Fisherman and His Wife here receives a new treatment where Luba, previously "full of joy and free from care as all children should be", saves the life of a little enchanted wren and is pressured by her parents to request more and more gifts in return. In the traditional story the fish, tired of granting wishes to the never-satisfied wife, states that the couple will get what they deserve and it turns out to be their original house. This story has a slightly different ending where the parents ask to be "as Gods" and the wren grants their wish saying to Luba, "Go then, my child... it is already done". She returns to find them with their original humble dwelling and station in life returned to them, yet content with their lot, as they embrace their daughter warmly. I'm not sure how the parents being happy at last (although it's a nice touch) constitutes their wish being granted. Overall I'd say to stick with the original when you choose to share this story with your children.