Rechenka's Eggs

By Patricia Polacco

An unexpected miracle follows a goose's accident, transforming a festival preparation into a tale of wonder.

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,714 ratings

32 pages· 845 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

In Old Moscow, Babushka is renowned for her exquisite Easter eggs. When she takes in an injured goose named Rechenka, their peaceful life is disrupted by a mishap that shatters her creations. Yet, the next morning reveals a miraculous surprise, sparking a heartwarming tale of friendship and unexpected wonders. What miracle awaits in the basket, and how will it change their lives? Discover the magic and beauty in this timeless story, where vibrant traditions and unexpected events intertwine.

"Babushka...was known far and wide for the fine eggs she lovingly painted. Her eggs were so beautiful that she always won first prize at the Easter Festival in Moskva."

— from the book

From the publisher

Old Babushka, known throughout all of Moskva for her beautifully painted eggs, is preparing her eggs for the Easter Festival when she takes in an injured goose. She names the goose Rechenka, and they live happily together until one day when Rechenka accidentally overturns a basket, breaking all of Babushka’s lovingly crafted eggs.

But the next morning Babushka has a surprise awaiting her in the basket. She cries: “A miracle!” It is one of many in this charmingly told tale of friendship and caring.

With vibrant illustrations, Patricia Polacco has joyously re-created the flavor of Old Moscow and its festivals. The eggs, stunningly colored and intricately designed, are authentic reproductions of eggs painted in the Ukrainian style. Rechenka’s Eggs is a timeless story of classic beauty.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Words: 845
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD610L

Themes & topics

Books about values and virtues Books about social themes Books about culture Books about Russia Books about ducks, geese, and swans

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.8

out of 7

5.8

“I love the way Polacco's books celebrate her heritage, and this is no exception, and their setting in a world far simpler than our own. There is a care and gentleness about her writing that appeals to me. In this story, Babushka lives alone in a little house in the country. She feeds caribou in winter and nurses back to health an injured goose, who becomes her housemate for a time. As the goose returns to health, it lays an egg each day for Babushka's breakfast. Babushka is gifted at painting eggs in the Ukrainian style and carefully blows out each egg before painting the shells. Babushka sees and acknowledges the miracles in the natural world around her, but there is a magical miracle at the heart of this story that will surprise and delight.”

Grammy

Trusted reviewer

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