Uncle Vova's Tree [Hardcover]

Patricia Polacco (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

A holiday favorite from Patricia Polacco is now available again, to her fans' delight. Based on Polacco's childhood memories, this is the story of her Great-uncle Vladimir, known as Vova, and his colorful and inventive celebrations of the Russian Orthodox holiday of Epiphany. Polacco's art warmly depicts the vibrant costumes and decorations from her family's homeland, and the text conveys the magical feeling of a child's wonder and joy during the holidays.

Uncle Vova's Tree is a perfect companion to Polacco's new holiday story, Christmas Tapestry, or a stand-alone classic that belongs on every

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

For the children in an extended family of Russian immigrants, Christmas at Uncle Vova's provides a literal and visual feast. There is the savory porridge, kutya (each aunt's recipe is different); there are paper ornaments, a sleigh ride and, not least, Vova's loving decoration of an evergreen for the animals outside. The year after Vova's death, the family's sorrow is tempered by the miraculous sight of the animals decorating Vova's tree. Polacco uses splashes of vibrant watercolor with delicately pencilled faces--an unusual and striking technique that manages both to exude the gaiety of the celebrations in the here-and-now and to suggest the centuries on which the customs rest. She highlights intriguing details of Russian holiday lore and also pays tribute to the importance of honoring one's heritage by preserving tradition. This otherwise fine book is marred by a telling that tends too often toward stock images and phrases; owing in part to this weakness, the magical scene at the story's end seems a sentimental contrivance and fails to convince. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"In this wonderful read-aloud book for the holiday season, readers will resonate with the message of love and family." - Children's Literature

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Philomel (October 5, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399216170
• ISBN-13: 978-0399216176
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,365,505 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

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great holiday tradition, December 9, 2005

By 

A Mom - See all my reviews

This review is from: Uncle Vova's Tree (Hardcover)

We have read this book every year since 2001 with our children, now ages 8 and 10. We all love this book- it is a reminder that Christmas is about family, love, traditions and faith. We have taken on two of Uncle Vova's traditions in our family- we set a place at the table for those who can not be with us and we put a gold dollar coin in someone's soup. Beware: if you lost a loved one recently, you may not be able to get through the end.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, January 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Uncle Vova's Tree (Mass Market Paperback)

This book is about Patricia Polacco's Christmas traditions. I think this book will teach you a lot about Patricia Polacco. This book would interest elementary kids the most. I really liked this book.

5.0 out of 5 stars All ages Holiday Charmer, January 12, 2011

By 

manico (LOVELAND, COLORADO, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Uncle Vova's Tree (Paperback)

As a former librarian, this book was always one I recommended at Christmas time. Now that I am retired, I wanted it for my private library. (My grandchildren are my excuse, but I love the story myself.) Polacco's stories are always special and warm and typically tell of a personal family experience. This story covers themes of family loss and the traditions that give meaning to such loss. Through words and pictures(Polacco is the illustrator as well as the author)the story is a happy celebration of love and warmth. I highly recommend this story for all ages.