Baboushka: A Christmas Folktale from Russia

by Arthur Scholey, Helen Cann (Illustrator)

This holiday Baboushka tale blends the Nativity with the tradition of Christmas gift giving.

Everyone in the village is bubbling with excitement about the new star in the sky—everyone except old Baboushka, who is busy sweeping, scouring, and polishing her house. Then three strangers arrive. When Baboushka invites them to stay the night, they ask her to join their search for a new baby—an infant king. But Baboushka is too busy with her chores. When at last she follows, bearing gifts for the baby, the newborn king is gone. Some say Baboushka continues her search to this very day, and at Christmas—whenever she sees a sleeping child or hears of good deeds—she will lift a toy from her basket and leave it.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Holiday, Childrens, Christian Fiction, Geography, Christian

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Anne Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The primary colours are so vibrant and the illustrations so intricately 'folklorish' and luminous. The 'Baboushka Carol' by the author, set to music by Donald Swann - the Welsh composer who also wrote music for Tolkien's The Road Goes Ever On - is an exceptional bonus.

This is the story of a Russian woman who keeps the neatest house in the village. Three kings stay with her on their way to offer some presents to a newborn baby. But their gifts are far from suitable in Baboushka's eyes. A baby needs toys. And although Baboushka has some, they are not clean or tidy. She spends all night fixing them up, then falls asleep as day breaks. By the time she wakes, the three kings have gone. She hurries after them...

The loveliest pictures make this a firm favourite of mine - even after nearly 35 years!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This picture book beautifully illustrates the traditional Russian Christmas legend of Baboushka. The sadness of Babouschka's too late arrival in Bethlehem is tempered by her practice of leaving gifts for children. Use to compare Christmas traditions in different countries and cultures.

[Mrinalini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations. The book also comes with the lyrics and music notes to the baboushka carol.

[Maria Georgakou · Rating 5 out of 5]

χριστουγεννιατικη ιστορια σε ρωσικο κλιμα

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet. With G.

[Amy Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our second encounter of a picture book of the Russian legend of Baboushka seeking the Christ child. This version struck me as particularly sad, not because it changes the legend, but it dwells more on the Baboushka's choice and consequences. (Spoiler) Baboushka arrives too late to Bethlehem and misses her chance to see baby Jesus because she dawdles after the three kings invite her to journey with them. Although it might be a fun legend to imagine Baboushka left seeking and searching all over Russia (but not finding Christ), leaving behind gifts for children, I actually just felt sad. When it comes to legends behind Christmas gift-giving, I much prefer St. Nicholas. On the other hand, Russian Orthodox tradition celebrates St. Nicholas on his feast day, December 6.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this short Christmas Russian folktale. It tells the story of Baboushka (Grandma in Russian) and how she is visited by the Magi on their search for the Christ Child while following the Star over Bethlehem. Will She join them on their journey when invited?

I found this story a relatable one (as many folktales are) and enjoyed the illustrations accompanying it. Excellent story for early elementary school.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a favorite of mine and has been for years. What a wonderful old story, told compellingly, by Scholey. This is a go-to book of mine for the Christmas season, I read it around the fire with anyone who comes to my house around Christmas time. We also used it in a story reading at our Christmas Festival at www.campeder.org

[Staciel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is another book that I bought long ago but am just reading for myself now.

As our son came to us from Russia, I do try and add a little bit of Russia to our Christmas celebrations.

This book was lovely and is one that I hope he's read-- it is a nice combination of the Bible and Russian folklore- quite unique.

[Q_Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful retelling of a tale that blends the story of Christ's birth from the Bible with the notion of gift giving from the heart

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Found this old childhood book in my mothers cupboard. Had to Read it again. Sadly not A's good As i remembered it to be

[David Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read to children at Christmas Eve service. Am of the opinion that reading with a cheesy Russian accent ("Boris Darling...") helps delivery.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love folk tales. This is a lovely one about the wise men coming from Russia.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked it up because of the bright and beautiful folk art depictions, but was surprised and moved by this bittersweet tale. I wasn't expecting an eastern European tale with a Christian thread.