Pavlova's Gift

by Maxine Trottier, Victoria Berdichevsky (Illustrator)

"A CCBC Our Choice book"

The letter was signed by Czar Nicholas, himself. He was asking her to perform once more for his ailing son. Though her days on the stage were behind her, Anna Pavlova had no choice. She would have to dance for Prince Alexis. Or would she? Perhaps, for the greatest dancer in all of Russia, the answer lay in the old gypsy woman's carved, wooden heart. Anna Pavlova was once the greatest ballerina in all of Russia. Now, she spends her days dancing alone. So, when Czar Nicholas pleads with her to perform for his ailing son, she must put aside her fear of reappearing in public. She must hope there is enough skill left in her dance to encourage the boy to live. As Anna hastens to her sleigh, an old gypsy woman presses a carved wooden heart into her hand. "Look into your own face tonight and choose how to give your gift." she says. With the strange words still ringing in her ears, Anna rides into the wintry night where a mysterious encounter is about to take place. Maxine Trottier and Victoria Bersichevsky bring a perfect blend of history and fantasy to life. Set on the eve of the Russian Revolution, Pavlova's Gift is a poignant tale of generosity and promise.

27 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Maxine Trottier is the award-winning writer of numerous books for young people, including Claire's Gift (winner of the Mr. Christie's Book Award), Laura: A Childhood Tale of Laura Secord, the Circle of Silver Chronicles, and The Tiny Kite of Eddy Wing (winner of the CLA Book of the Year Award).

A former teacher and an avid sailor, Maxine has long been fascinated by history. She is now an associate member of La Société des Filles du roi et soldats du Carignan, whose purpose is "to honour the memory of these courageous people." While researching Alone in an Untamed Land, Maxine discovered that she herself is directly descended from a fille du roi.

Maxine lives in the small outport of Newman's Cove in Newfoundland, with her husband William and their Yorkie Moon.