Babushka

by Sandra Ann Horn, Sophie Fatus (Illustrator)

In a festive Russian folktale, Babushka, while traveling to Bethlehem, gives her gifts for the Christ child away and thinks she has nothing left to give the baby, only to discover that everything she gave away, she also gave to him.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Russia

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2002

About the author

Sandra Ann Horn was born in 1944. She lectures at Southampton University as well as writing for children. Her first book, Tattybogle, published in paperback in September 1996, was shortlisted for the Smarties Prize and the Kurt Maschler Award.

Reviews

[Set · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not the original story of the Babushka. The drawings are rather plain.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story, and I loved the art work in this book! I love how the story reminds us that what we do with love for anyone we do with love for the Savior!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is filled with joy, love, color, and whimsy! For anyone who enjoys a religious aspect to their Christmas, this book is an excellent read!

[Qwendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Sandra Ann Horn’s retelling of this Russian Christmas folktale, an old woman named Babushka lives by herself, cleaning her cottage to keep from thinking about the “empty place in her heart.” She witnesses a bright shining star in the sky, the glad tidings of angels, and an invitation from three kings to visit the newborn baby, Jesus. However, it is only in a dream that Babushka realizes the message that others have been trying to tell her. Babushka’s endless quest for cleanliness urges her to venture out to see the new babe, to help make his early hours on earth more comfortable.

Sophie Fatus’s Russian-style acrylic paintings brilliantly accent Horn’s prose. Babushka is a wonderful addition to any library collection, and is especially recommended for children from kindergarten to third grade. The story teaches young readers that when we help others not only are we benefitting humanity, we also help ourselves. In other words, happiness grows when we help others.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

The born in a manger to a virgin mother legend strains my credulousness, but it's still a nice story. I especially like this take on it, where the whole manger scene is ancillary and the shepherds and wise men aren't mentioned in the text at all.

I would try to summarize the story, but it would sound stupid, so take my word for it that this is a nice read. I like the art in the book even more than the story.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely, fun and different telling of all the wonders on the night Christ was born. This story is about Babushka, a neatnik who only sees the dirty window when the bright star in the East shines on her home. She tells the angels they have to wipe their feet to come in, and shoos the three kings camels before they can muddy up her yard. And the message: all gifts given in love are given to Mary's son too - comes across without a heavy hand. Very nice!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book warrants re-reading... I was struggling and reading from an adult perspective. I need to look at it again from a children's point of view to be sure I'm getting it straight.

[Debra Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful and a nice book with spiders adding to the beauty.

[Christina Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute retelling of the Babushka story, with lovely illustrations!

[Katharine · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite Christmas book. Just beautiful.

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Christmas Story.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This version I didn't like the pictures much, although the story completes the moral with Jesus - anything we give to the least of these, we give to Him...
This version doesn't go into the lore of Babushka wandering the world to this day searching for the Christ Child, though. So not terribly impressive.