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.

What Kind of Book is Rechenka's Eggs

Topics

values and virtues social themes culture Russia ducks, geese, etc.eggs Easter

Genres

fiction

Reviews

Marmee

5.75

Grammy

5.75

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.

Book Lists That Include Rechenka's Eggs

Books about values and virtues

Books about social themes

Brothers Grimm: The Most Beloved Fairy Tales

Books about culture

The Creative Behind the Book

Author & Illustrator

Patricia Polacco

Patricia Polacco belongs to a family of storytellers, poets, farmers, teachers, and artists. They came from many parts of the world, but mainly Russia. She grew up to be an illustrator, a designer, and creator of many beloved children’s books, including The Keeping Quilt, The Blessing Cup, Fiona’s Lace, The Trees of the Dancing Goats, Babushka’s Doll, My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother, and Sticks and Stones. She lives in Union City, Michigan. Visit her at PatriciaPolacco.com and follow her on Facebook.