Matreshka [Paperback]

Rebecca Ayres (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1996

In a story based on traditional Russian folklore, young Kata receives a wonderful gift, Matreshka, an extraordinary doll who uses her magical powers to help Kata outwit the evil schemes of the wicked witch Baba Yaga. Reprint. SLJ. K. AB.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Despite Natchev's bright, collage-like art, this Russian-inspired tale of a girl saved from an evil witch by a series of nesting dolls was characterized by PW as "rather bland." Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- Drawing upon traditional Russian folklore, Ayres creates an accessible and exciting picture book in which a young girl outwits the evil Baba Yaga. After sharing her meal with an old woman she meets on the road, Kata is given a little wooden doll named Matreshka. Lost in a snowstorm, the child stumbles upon the witch's fearsome house and is given a room for the evening. When Kata realizes she's to be Baba Yaga's next meal, the wooden doll saves her life. Out of the larger Matreshka pop four smaller dolls who find a way out of locked doors, crawl through a mouse's hole, and confuse the witch so thoroughly that she accidently turns herself into a green frog. Natchev's bold, lively illustrations occupy double-page spreads and have a fresh, often whimsical look. The watercolor washes boast a variety of textures, and the characters are depicted in an exaggerated manner. Unfortunately, there is a lack of agreement between text and illustration at the beginning of the book. The text has Kata returning from a trip to town while the illustrations show her just leaving her grandfather's house. Even so, the story will have wide appeal and is suitable for sharing aloud or reading independently. It also makes an entertaining introduction to Russian folklore and culture, especially if told using a set of Russian nesting dolls. --Denise Anton Wright, Illinois State University, Normal
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Yearling (October 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440412889
• ISBN-13: 978-0440412885
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,409,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars A Catchy Rhyme, June 28, 2004

By 

Nancy M. Davis "indydogma" (High Plains, NM) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Matreshka (Hardcover)

My daughter (4 1/2 years) was mesmerized by the "Matreshka, Matreshka, I may be small, but I'm not the smallest one of all" rhyme repeated in the story. She collects matryoshka dolls and spent days recreating the story. This is a great story for anyone who loves nesting dolls or small things. It emphasizes that sometimes being quite small is an advantage.