Sunday, February 26, 2023

Varenka by Bernadette Watts - ADVISABLE

Varenka
by Bernadette Watts
PICTURE BOOK NorthSouth Books 1971, New edition 2022. $18. 9780735845077 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL - AVERAGE 

Varenka is a widow living in Russia during a time of war. She stays in her home to help others as they flee the fighting. She prays to God to build a wall around her home to hide her from the oncoming soldiers. A miracle occurs to save her and those with her from being found. 

Watts is English, but her illustrations seem to draw from Russian iconography in the appearance of the characters. I liked this heartfelt story about facing the sadness and loss caused by war with bravery and faith in God. To my limited knowledge of Russian culture and history, this seems like a well-presented tribute to both Russian art and storytelling. The illustrations are vivid and create an atmosphere that supports the emotions of the text. 

J. Smith, Teacher Librarian

No comments:

Post a Comment

Welcome to Kiss the Book Jr.!

Welcome! Kiss the Book Jr. is for board books, picture books, early readers, and chapter books.  Also, any novels and non-fiction that we ag...