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کودکان و جانوران
نوشته اولگا پروفسکایا
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1930
8 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Olga Perovskaya
8 books10 followersOlga Vasilievna Perovskaya (Russian: Ольга Васильевна Перовская) was a Soviet children's literature writer. Her most notable work Rebyata i Zveryata (Kids and Cubs) was published in 1925. It is a series of stories of about the various pets she and her sisters (Sonya, Yulia and Natasha) kept during their childhood. She was arrested on 15 March 1943 and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in labour camps during the Great Purge. Her sentence was later modified to one of exile. During 1940–50, her books were not published. She was rehabilitated toward the end of the fifties. Rebyata i Zveryata has been translated into a number of languages including English, Malayalam and Tamil. In English, it has been published under two different titles Kids and Cubs and The Wolf in Olga's Kitchen.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 9, 2013
I got this book from my elder sis, at the age of 8 or 9. I dont remember how many times i have read & re-read this. Amazing stories. It contains the recollections of the author, Olga perovsaya when she was in Alma-Ata. I used to imagine myself in her place, and take my lambs along with me to empty fields- to grass.So many years have passed. But I still have the book with me, in perfect shape. It came with me to my husbands home, and then to our own house in Bangalore.I will pass it on to my son Aamie.
January 3, 2011
Read this book when I was a little child. I was never the same after it. This taught me the value of compassion, and why you should be nice to every living being. I think every kid should read this wonderful book.
September 9, 2020
• r e v i e w •
.
I have got to give it to @niyogibooks for introducing stellar books to readers. Through them, I learnt about lesser known translated works that are delightful to read. Kids and Cubs is one such book. Written originally in 1925 by Olga Perovskaya in Russian, Kids and Cubs was a huge hit not only amongst children but was well liked by adults too. It was translated into English in 1966, making it easier for readers across the world to have access to this beauty. It was also translated into Tamil and Malayalam. For someone who grew up in cities and towns, Olga's stories seemed very fascinating; often making me wish that I was born in the countryside with a farm of my own. Kids and Cubs will serve as a thoughtful gift to the little ones but you may find yourself reaching out for it more often than you think.
.
Divided into five chapters, Olga paints a vivid picture of her childhood that she spent with her three sisters, parents and both wild and domesticated animals. Each chapter carried a sense of fascination that at times felt almost unbelievable. Growing up in Alma-Ata, the capital of Kazakhstan, Olga and her sisters had the chance to grow up with and tend to wonderful animals from a very young age. Her father who was a forester brought home animals of all sorts ranging from a fox to a tiger. The chapters are named after the names of the animals; Dianka and Tomchik (Wolves), Mishka (Siberian Stag), Vaska (Tiger), Frantik (Fox) and Chubary (Stallion). Through each story, Olga tells the readers about the relationship her family shared with these animals which was heartwarming to read. When and if the poor creatures fell sick, the family tended them with utmost care and nursed them back to health. They made one big family.
.
It's hard to choose a favourite but if insisted, I would probably go with Mishka. While most of the stories were fun and entertaining to read, few of them did carry a tinge of sadness. Olga along with her sisters grew up in unconventional ways as they formed unusual friendships with the wolves and a tiger. It was and is still unheard of to keep wild animals within the confines of a home and so they were viewed with awe and wonder. The description of places, personalities of her family members and unique traits that the animals carried were interesting to read. I do however believe that few of the chapters possessed a bit of exaggeration but considering how this is a children's book, it comes as no surprise and is also completely acceptable. I wouldn't want to reveal much of this book's essence but I would definitely recommend this lovely book to every one irrespective of their age. Not only was it a light read but was also incredibly fun to know how colourful her life was as a child.
.
Rating : 4.6/5.
.
I have got to give it to @niyogibooks for introducing stellar books to readers. Through them, I learnt about lesser known translated works that are delightful to read. Kids and Cubs is one such book. Written originally in 1925 by Olga Perovskaya in Russian, Kids and Cubs was a huge hit not only amongst children but was well liked by adults too. It was translated into English in 1966, making it easier for readers across the world to have access to this beauty. It was also translated into Tamil and Malayalam. For someone who grew up in cities and towns, Olga's stories seemed very fascinating; often making me wish that I was born in the countryside with a farm of my own. Kids and Cubs will serve as a thoughtful gift to the little ones but you may find yourself reaching out for it more often than you think.
.
Divided into five chapters, Olga paints a vivid picture of her childhood that she spent with her three sisters, parents and both wild and domesticated animals. Each chapter carried a sense of fascination that at times felt almost unbelievable. Growing up in Alma-Ata, the capital of Kazakhstan, Olga and her sisters had the chance to grow up with and tend to wonderful animals from a very young age. Her father who was a forester brought home animals of all sorts ranging from a fox to a tiger. The chapters are named after the names of the animals; Dianka and Tomchik (Wolves), Mishka (Siberian Stag), Vaska (Tiger), Frantik (Fox) and Chubary (Stallion). Through each story, Olga tells the readers about the relationship her family shared with these animals which was heartwarming to read. When and if the poor creatures fell sick, the family tended them with utmost care and nursed them back to health. They made one big family.
.
It's hard to choose a favourite but if insisted, I would probably go with Mishka. While most of the stories were fun and entertaining to read, few of them did carry a tinge of sadness. Olga along with her sisters grew up in unconventional ways as they formed unusual friendships with the wolves and a tiger. It was and is still unheard of to keep wild animals within the confines of a home and so they were viewed with awe and wonder. The description of places, personalities of her family members and unique traits that the animals carried were interesting to read. I do however believe that few of the chapters possessed a bit of exaggeration but considering how this is a children's book, it comes as no surprise and is also completely acceptable. I wouldn't want to reveal much of this book's essence but I would definitely recommend this lovely book to every one irrespective of their age. Not only was it a light read but was also incredibly fun to know how colourful her life was as a child.
.
Rating : 4.6/5.
October 12, 2020
Based in rural Kazakhstan, Kids and Cubs by Olga Perovskaya is considered an evergreen children’s classic. It was published in 1925 in Russian and was translated into multiple languages including English in 1966.
The book is collection of reminiscences from the author’s childhood when their father used to bring home various animals for the kids as pets. These animals included Dianka and Tomchik, two wolf cubs, Mishka, a Siberian stag, Vaska, a tiger, Frantik, a fox and Chubary, a stallion. Each pet has a special bond and taken care of by a particular sibling. Their experience with each of their pets has been narrated in individual chapters. The stories are inclusive of how they (the pets) arrived on the farm, how they were fed and taken care of and how they blossomed into adults. Lots of hilarious incidents with the background of a farm life will tickle your bones if you love animals. The part when the animals run away or pass away is saddening. The incidents narrated are very enjoyable and so is the writing. The book has been well structured and the bond between humans and animals is very well described. The chapter about Chubary has a lot more action to it and the one with Vaska was my absolute favourite. I was left yearning for pastures and pets when the book ended. Also, did you notice the beautiful and bright pop of colour the cover is!
I do wish that the chapter Ishka and Milka would’ve been a part of this edition. I’m recommending this book to all the kids and adults who love reading about the bond between humans and animals and the joys of farm life.
The book is collection of reminiscences from the author’s childhood when their father used to bring home various animals for the kids as pets. These animals included Dianka and Tomchik, two wolf cubs, Mishka, a Siberian stag, Vaska, a tiger, Frantik, a fox and Chubary, a stallion. Each pet has a special bond and taken care of by a particular sibling. Their experience with each of their pets has been narrated in individual chapters. The stories are inclusive of how they (the pets) arrived on the farm, how they were fed and taken care of and how they blossomed into adults. Lots of hilarious incidents with the background of a farm life will tickle your bones if you love animals. The part when the animals run away or pass away is saddening. The incidents narrated are very enjoyable and so is the writing. The book has been well structured and the bond between humans and animals is very well described. The chapter about Chubary has a lot more action to it and the one with Vaska was my absolute favourite. I was left yearning for pastures and pets when the book ended. Also, did you notice the beautiful and bright pop of colour the cover is!
I do wish that the chapter Ishka and Milka would’ve been a part of this edition. I’m recommending this book to all the kids and adults who love reading about the bond between humans and animals and the joys of farm life.
October 8, 2020
Kids and Cubs by Olga Perovaskaya and translated by Fainna Glagoleva is a story that takes one to how nature’s creation, the animal world has become far removed from human beings.And no, Kids and Cubs do not tell you this; what it does is take you to a time when animals and humans could still co exist in fascination with one another,wary yes but definitely with a lot of room for deep emotional attachments.
An account of the author’s early childhood of growing up in rural Kazakhstan where her father was given to bringing living wild animals that became part of their household, the five chapters in the book are named after the animals that became a major part of the author’s family: the wolves, Dianka and Tomchik; Mishka, a Siberian Stag; Vaska, a Tiger; Frantik a Fox and Chubary a Stallion.
The warmth one feels in the connections that the animals forge with the author’s family is perhaps the reason that this book came to occupy a significant popularity that led it to be translated to multiple languages around the world over the years. The anecdotes with the animals will leave you enthralled and entertained in parts but through them runs the thread of co existence and harmony.
An account of the author’s early childhood of growing up in rural Kazakhstan where her father was given to bringing living wild animals that became part of their household, the five chapters in the book are named after the animals that became a major part of the author’s family: the wolves, Dianka and Tomchik; Mishka, a Siberian Stag; Vaska, a Tiger; Frantik a Fox and Chubary a Stallion.
The warmth one feels in the connections that the animals forge with the author’s family is perhaps the reason that this book came to occupy a significant popularity that led it to be translated to multiple languages around the world over the years. The anecdotes with the animals will leave you enthralled and entertained in parts but through them runs the thread of co existence and harmony.
September 25, 2011
I read this book lot times since i was 7th standard and till now in my 24th age and i will read again and again. Amazing stories,its locations, olga's family and their memorable cubs.
October 17, 2020
Through Kids and Cubs, we get to see Olga and her family’s close relationship with the young animals that her forester father used to bring home. The stories stars wolves (Dianka and Tomchik), a baby deer (Mishka), a tiger (Vaska), a fox (Frantik) and a horse (Chubary). Olga and her sisters had a special bond with each pet.
These stories highlight the animal behaviours and their relationships with humans in a beautiful way. The stories are interesting and heartwarming to read, but the departure events of these animals from the lives of the author and her family will make you sad.
I loved reading this book so much, but I could not connect much the way I should have because I have never had a pet personally. My family had a dog and a rabbit when I was a kid, but I had no personal connection with them. I feel the people with pets will be able to connect more with this book than the ones who have no experience with animals.
The cover is so so adorable. Just look at it. And the title is so apt. It is not a graphic novel, but it has some related illustrations in the stories. So, I loved that part too.
This book is suitable for a person of any age even though it falls under kids' classics. I am just not sure how kids will take some saddening events in the stories.
For me, it was a refreshing and unique read.
These stories highlight the animal behaviours and their relationships with humans in a beautiful way. The stories are interesting and heartwarming to read, but the departure events of these animals from the lives of the author and her family will make you sad.
I loved reading this book so much, but I could not connect much the way I should have because I have never had a pet personally. My family had a dog and a rabbit when I was a kid, but I had no personal connection with them. I feel the people with pets will be able to connect more with this book than the ones who have no experience with animals.
The cover is so so adorable. Just look at it. And the title is so apt. It is not a graphic novel, but it has some related illustrations in the stories. So, I loved that part too.
This book is suitable for a person of any age even though it falls under kids' classics. I am just not sure how kids will take some saddening events in the stories.
For me, it was a refreshing and unique read.
October 2, 2020
If you are an animal lover , this book will be an amazing read for you . I love all animals and believe that they understand love and reciprocate it in bounds . I had two pets . Lost my lovely rabbit this July.
Needless to say I love this book to its core ! Beautiful illustrations , lucid translated language , cute looking hardcover , high quality pages , big comfortable font , everything is appealing to me.
This book is about the author Olga Perovskaya's memories of her beautiful childhood as she got unusually beautiful and adventurous opportunities to bond with many different animals . Antlers , Wolves , Tigers etc in the rural and semi-urban region of Kazakhstan . They were brought as rescued cubs while her father would go out for hunting or other works . They would start their lives as little vulnerable cubs kept as pets , play with them ,do naughty things around the house , become part of their family , bond deeply and later leave behind bunch of lifelong memories and lessons to cherish about . These events portray the amazing quality of emotional bond that can bloom between a human and an animal . The events also speak volumes about the attachment and letting go process of life . I loved the story of Dianka and Tomchik , the two beautiful wolf cubs they kept for few years . It was so heart touching but its heart breaking fate they faced . I could relate to them as I have a Labrador . The story of Mishka was so spellbinding ! When you love nature and all its beautiful forms how can you pick one or two stories from this lot ? All of the stories touched me . I believe it's a book for all ages. It will remind the reader , that animals have souls too and leave a heart warming afterglow as each story ends.
Needless to say I love this book to its core ! Beautiful illustrations , lucid translated language , cute looking hardcover , high quality pages , big comfortable font , everything is appealing to me.
This book is about the author Olga Perovskaya's memories of her beautiful childhood as she got unusually beautiful and adventurous opportunities to bond with many different animals . Antlers , Wolves , Tigers etc in the rural and semi-urban region of Kazakhstan . They were brought as rescued cubs while her father would go out for hunting or other works . They would start their lives as little vulnerable cubs kept as pets , play with them ,do naughty things around the house , become part of their family , bond deeply and later leave behind bunch of lifelong memories and lessons to cherish about . These events portray the amazing quality of emotional bond that can bloom between a human and an animal . The events also speak volumes about the attachment and letting go process of life . I loved the story of Dianka and Tomchik , the two beautiful wolf cubs they kept for few years . It was so heart touching but its heart breaking fate they faced . I could relate to them as I have a Labrador . The story of Mishka was so spellbinding ! When you love nature and all its beautiful forms how can you pick one or two stories from this lot ? All of the stories touched me . I believe it's a book for all ages. It will remind the reader , that animals have souls too and leave a heart warming afterglow as each story ends.
January 11, 2010
dis was d first book i read wen i was around 15 n i thoroughly enjoyed it...dis buk is one of d reason i fell in love wid reading..u also fall in luv wid d various pets d kids hve in d book..worth reading.
Read
April 27, 2009ایا کسی این کتاب رو داره یا بگه چطور میشه اون رو تهیه کرد؟ ممنون
December 22, 2011
i loved the book.. i read it when i was a kid... i lovd it at that tym... still remember reading it.. :) this may not be a book 4 adults... bt i luvd it at a young age ...
September 19, 2020
Wild animals have now been kept separate from civilisation, and their habitats well demarcated from our human bricks and concrete realm. When some of them turn up in localities, people chase them with sticks, shoot at them. Every now and then, there is an incident of vicious illegal poaching, of elephant hides being scarred with boulders hurled at them, and dotted leopard skins pierced with sharp objects.
In this era where the intermingling of wild and tame, the dissolution of known and unknown, of civilised and uncivilised—has been so starkly condemned, Niyogi Books bring to us a set of stories by Olga Perovskaya (1902-1961), whose childhood had been spent in close contact with nature, and who had learnt to co-exist with the wild quite early. Perovskaya narrates incidents from her childhood, the bygone era where her family would often foster wild animals from the forest, and make them a part of their living. These animal cubs were very special pets, sometimes wolf cubs and sometimes deer fowls, tiger cubs and foxes included: all of which had become an integral part of her close-knit, yet inclusive family.
Through her stories, Perovskaya celebrates the innocence of animals, their loyalty and their age-old bond with humans. Compassionate and kind, these stories can take us back to our own childhood days, when life was scarce of responsibilities, and full of fun and festivity. The Wild sets foot into the junction of civilisation and untamed existence, and organically finds a place for itself within the minds and heart of humans.
Thus, harmony and symbiotic living: these are the two pillars that support these stories. Through the pure endearing love that emanates from the innocent narration, and through the liveliness that comes along because of the sheer adventurous tone of the book—‘Kids and Cubs’ could be an opportunity to live the colourful childhood days of the author, and rear within our hearts the feelings of kindness and tolerance.
Thanks to Niyogi Books for the book.
In this era where the intermingling of wild and tame, the dissolution of known and unknown, of civilised and uncivilised—has been so starkly condemned, Niyogi Books bring to us a set of stories by Olga Perovskaya (1902-1961), whose childhood had been spent in close contact with nature, and who had learnt to co-exist with the wild quite early. Perovskaya narrates incidents from her childhood, the bygone era where her family would often foster wild animals from the forest, and make them a part of their living. These animal cubs were very special pets, sometimes wolf cubs and sometimes deer fowls, tiger cubs and foxes included: all of which had become an integral part of her close-knit, yet inclusive family.
Through her stories, Perovskaya celebrates the innocence of animals, their loyalty and their age-old bond with humans. Compassionate and kind, these stories can take us back to our own childhood days, when life was scarce of responsibilities, and full of fun and festivity. The Wild sets foot into the junction of civilisation and untamed existence, and organically finds a place for itself within the minds and heart of humans.
Thus, harmony and symbiotic living: these are the two pillars that support these stories. Through the pure endearing love that emanates from the innocent narration, and through the liveliness that comes along because of the sheer adventurous tone of the book—‘Kids and Cubs’ could be an opportunity to live the colourful childhood days of the author, and rear within our hearts the feelings of kindness and tolerance.
Thanks to Niyogi Books for the book.
September 9, 2020
• r e v i e w •
.
Written originally in 1925 by Olga Perovskaya in Russian, Kids and Cubs was a huge hit not only amongst children but was well liked by adults too. It was translated into English in 1966, making it easier for readers across the world to have access to this beauty. It was also translated into Tamil and Malayalam. For someone who grew up in cities and towns, Olga's stories seemed very fascinating; often making me wish that I was born in the countryside with a farm of my own. Kids and Cubs will serve as a thoughtful gift to the little ones but you may find yourself reaching out for it more often than you think.
.
Divided into five chapters, Olga paints a vivid picture of her childhood that she spent with her three sisters, parents and both wild and domesticated animals. Each chapter carried a sense of fascination that at times felt almost unbelievable. Growing up in Alma-Ata, the capital of Kazakhstan, Olga and her sisters had the chance to grow up with and tend to wonderful animals from a very young age. Her father who was a forester brought home animals of all sorts ranging from a fox to a tiger. The chapters are named after the names of the animals; Dianka and Tomchik (Wolves), Mishka (Siberian Stag), Vaska (Tiger), Frantik (Fox) and Chubary (Stallion). Through each story, Olga tells the readers about the relationship her family shared with these animals which was heartwarming to read. When and if the poor creatures fell sick, the family tended them with utmost care and nursed them back to health. They made one big family.
.
It's hard to choose a favourite but if insisted, I would probably go with Mishka. While most of the stories were fun and entertaining to read, few of them did carry a tinge of sadness. Olga along with her sisters grew up in unconventional ways as they formed unusual friendships with the wolves and a tiger. It was and is still unheard of to keep wild animals within the confines of a home and so they were viewed with awe and wonder. The description of places, personalities of her family members and unique traits that the animals carried were interesting to read. I do however believe that few of the chapters possessed a bit of exaggeration but considering how this is a children's book, it comes as no surprise and is also completely acceptable. I wouldn't want to reveal much of this book's essence but I would definitely recommend this lovely book to every one irrespective of their age. Not only was it a light read but was also incredibly fun to know how colourful her life was as a child.
.
Rating : 4.6/5.
.
Written originally in 1925 by Olga Perovskaya in Russian, Kids and Cubs was a huge hit not only amongst children but was well liked by adults too. It was translated into English in 1966, making it easier for readers across the world to have access to this beauty. It was also translated into Tamil and Malayalam. For someone who grew up in cities and towns, Olga's stories seemed very fascinating; often making me wish that I was born in the countryside with a farm of my own. Kids and Cubs will serve as a thoughtful gift to the little ones but you may find yourself reaching out for it more often than you think.
.
Divided into five chapters, Olga paints a vivid picture of her childhood that she spent with her three sisters, parents and both wild and domesticated animals. Each chapter carried a sense of fascination that at times felt almost unbelievable. Growing up in Alma-Ata, the capital of Kazakhstan, Olga and her sisters had the chance to grow up with and tend to wonderful animals from a very young age. Her father who was a forester brought home animals of all sorts ranging from a fox to a tiger. The chapters are named after the names of the animals; Dianka and Tomchik (Wolves), Mishka (Siberian Stag), Vaska (Tiger), Frantik (Fox) and Chubary (Stallion). Through each story, Olga tells the readers about the relationship her family shared with these animals which was heartwarming to read. When and if the poor creatures fell sick, the family tended them with utmost care and nursed them back to health. They made one big family.
.
It's hard to choose a favourite but if insisted, I would probably go with Mishka. While most of the stories were fun and entertaining to read, few of them did carry a tinge of sadness. Olga along with her sisters grew up in unconventional ways as they formed unusual friendships with the wolves and a tiger. It was and is still unheard of to keep wild animals within the confines of a home and so they were viewed with awe and wonder. The description of places, personalities of her family members and unique traits that the animals carried were interesting to read. I do however believe that few of the chapters possessed a bit of exaggeration but considering how this is a children's book, it comes as no surprise and is also completely acceptable. I wouldn't want to reveal much of this book's essence but I would definitely recommend this lovely book to every one irrespective of their age. Not only was it a light read but was also incredibly fun to know how colourful her life was as a child.
.
Rating : 4.6/5.
December 19, 2015
Olga 's description of her childhood with her animals is truly wonderful and amazing. I loved each part of the book. Olga's Family had a wonderful relationship with all the animals. Also , I am surprised that no one in the family was afraid of any of their wild friends. The most exciting story in the book was of Chubary ,the horse ,but i liked every part of the book. Hats off to Olga :-))))))
May 29, 2020
داستان هایی بسیار شیرین از دوستی بچه ها و حیوانات که زمان خوندنش خیلی دلم میخواست جای اون ها باشم.
June 23, 2021
A beautiful book, full review follow soon.
March 4, 2022
Замечательная детская книга, которую интересно перечитать и взрослому. У писательницы очень приятный стиль, истории получились не только трогательно-веселые, но и весьма познавательные. Из этого сборника можно узнать больше подробностей о жизни и привычках разных животных: например, о волках, о том, что одомашненный волк ведет себя весьма разумно и отличается глубокой преданностью к хозяину, об оленях - любопытно прочесть о скидывании рогов, о пантах (хотя слабонервным лучше не поддаваться любопытству и не искать их фото в интернете).
October 22, 2020
This might be a simple book, with simple stories of a family & their children & the many animals they loved & sheltered, even if temporarily. But it also sows in our hearts a seed of warmth, towards nature, love, co-existence & of course, towards our four legged friends. Kids and Cubs not only makes us smile wide at their antics or makes us shut our eyes at their loss, but also teaches us simple things about the inherent nature of these animals, little takeaways we otherwise wouldn't haven't known. A child would read it & find some life lessons- on friendship, love, compassion, responsibility & most importantly, a lesson on life & death & how unpredictable yet inevitable they are. And as an adult, you can just enjoy the prose.
Want to read
February 22, 2022چهارتا خواهر که در پل طبیعت ماجراجویی میکنند. وقتی بچه بودم خوندم. دوستش داشتم. سرزمینی غریب که شبیه سرزمین ما بود. دلخوشی با چیزهای کوچک. زبان کتاب اول شخص است و در همه داستانها حیوانات نقش دارند. کن بعدها بود که فهمیدم کتاب در واقع کودکی نویسنده ان هست. نویسنده داستان غم انگیزی داشته.
September 7, 2020
I have read this book many times, over and over in between ages 12 till now (23). It never fails to entertain me. Absolutely adore this book.
September 24, 2020
A collection of fantastic tales which takes the readers to a completely different world; the stories of the wonderful bond shared between children and animals; with beautiful illustrations to accompany each of the tales - Olga Perovskaya's Kids and Cubs is an absolutely delightful read. Although it is considered to be a part of children's literature, I think that both children and adult will enjoy this gem of a book alike.
The bright and colourful cover of the book with small illustrations of two wolves, a fox, a stag, a horse and a tiger quite intrigued me. Just as I had laid my eyes on this beautiful book, I knew this book will definitely be an interesting read. But as I started reading the book, I understood that my first impression of this book being 'interesting' is an understatement. I could not stop reading once I had started.
The author reminisces the memories of her blissful childhood days which she had spent with her family in rural Kazakhstan (then part of the USSR). She goes on to narrate the tales of their life in the lap of mother nature, with a collection of animals that they took care of - a pair of wolves, a Siberian stag, a fox, a tiger, and a stallion. The warm and pleasant stories of the author and her sisters - Sonya, Yulia, and Natasha; how they took care of the animals; the lovely bond they shared, are beautifully described. The book is so beautifully described that while I was reading I felt like I was a part of their life in Kazakhstan, in the early twentieth century, watching all the events unfold in front of my eyes.
Originally published in 1925, Kids and Cubs (Rebyata i Zveryata) was written by Perovskaya in Russian. Later, the book was translated into several languages and is popular around the world.
This particular edition of the book (published by Niyogi Books), includes timelines of the author's life and the original year of publication that provides the literary, historical, and cultural context of the book.
I absolutely loved reading this delightful book. It is one of my favourite books now. I definitely recommend this book to all my fellow bibliophiles. Trust me, you'll love this book. Do give it a read!
The bright and colourful cover of the book with small illustrations of two wolves, a fox, a stag, a horse and a tiger quite intrigued me. Just as I had laid my eyes on this beautiful book, I knew this book will definitely be an interesting read. But as I started reading the book, I understood that my first impression of this book being 'interesting' is an understatement. I could not stop reading once I had started.
The author reminisces the memories of her blissful childhood days which she had spent with her family in rural Kazakhstan (then part of the USSR). She goes on to narrate the tales of their life in the lap of mother nature, with a collection of animals that they took care of - a pair of wolves, a Siberian stag, a fox, a tiger, and a stallion. The warm and pleasant stories of the author and her sisters - Sonya, Yulia, and Natasha; how they took care of the animals; the lovely bond they shared, are beautifully described. The book is so beautifully described that while I was reading I felt like I was a part of their life in Kazakhstan, in the early twentieth century, watching all the events unfold in front of my eyes.
Originally published in 1925, Kids and Cubs (Rebyata i Zveryata) was written by Perovskaya in Russian. Later, the book was translated into several languages and is popular around the world.
This particular edition of the book (published by Niyogi Books), includes timelines of the author's life and the original year of publication that provides the literary, historical, and cultural context of the book.
I absolutely loved reading this delightful book. It is one of my favourite books now. I definitely recommend this book to all my fellow bibliophiles. Trust me, you'll love this book. Do give it a read!
July 2, 2022
Olga Perovskaya has compiled a collection of stories of her childhood in Alma Ata (now called Almaty, the largest city and old capital of Kazakhstan) where her father—a forest ranger—used to bring animals for his daughters to keep as pets. Olga and her three sisters—Yulia, Natasha and Sonya had a variety of pets. From wolves to tiger—in addition to so many hounds, cows, other horses and chicken.
The stories are about:
1. Dianka and Tomchik - wolves
2. Meeshka - central maral deer/Altai Elk
3. Ishla and Meelka - donkeys
4. Vaska - tiger
5. Frantik - fox
6. Chubary - horse
The stories are not in chronological order. But that doesn't damper the fun and serotonin boost you get from reading them! Some stories are happy while others are purely waterworks material. This was the first book I ever cried reading...
Aaah to be a kid and day dream of a life in Alma Ata, surrounded by my unusual pets and natural beauty....
The stories are about:
1. Dianka and Tomchik - wolves
2. Meeshka - central maral deer/Altai Elk
3. Ishla and Meelka - donkeys
4. Vaska - tiger
5. Frantik - fox
6. Chubary - horse
The stories are not in chronological order. But that doesn't damper the fun and serotonin boost you get from reading them! Some stories are happy while others are purely waterworks material. This was the first book I ever cried reading...
Aaah to be a kid and day dream of a life in Alma Ata, surrounded by my unusual pets and natural beauty....
June 27, 2025
endiselt väga armas raamat. Aga nüüd panen tähele, et on üks korduv motiiv. Tuuakse loomapoeg. Alguses on lõbus ja tore . Siis saab loom suureks, pannakse puuri või ketti. Taltsutatud looma maha ju ei lase. Kurb on. Lapsena keskendusin ma ilmselt ainult seiklustele.
January 2, 2020
Das beste Kinderbuch. Mein Kinderbuch. Tolle Geschichten mit Kindern und ihren Tieren. Außerdem Einblicke in ein anderes Land.
January 23, 2015
very nice
April 18, 2017
This is a book written by the Russian author Olga Perovskaya describing her childhood experiences with animals along with her three sisters at their forest home in Almaty, Kazakhstan (then Russian Empire).
Her father, a forester, used to bring back young animals from the wild animals whenever he used to return from hunting and the stories feature the experiences of the sisters - Sonya, Olga (the author), Yulia and Natasha in feeding, taking care of the animals and watching them grow. The stories featured wolves (Dianka and Tomchik), a maral - Caspian stag (Mishka), a donkey (Ishka), a tiger (Vaska), a fox (Frantik) and a horse (Chubary).
The author had described the behaviour and mannerisms of the various animals really well and how the four girls played with these animals, the involvement of their parents; the ruckus caused by these animals and eventually, in some cases, the animal leaving the family after growing up (mainly the wild animals). The surroundings of their forest home, their yard, was also very well described and even though the edition I read had some illustrations, the description was good enough to make do without them. Considering that this is a book that is featuring real life childhood experiences, not all stories have a happy ending.
My main issue was probably the way in which the author chose to structure the novel; that is, as a collection of short stories featuring each animal; whereas, in each story, the girls started out at around the same age and yes, the subsequent story on the fox (Frantik), confirmed that they had the stag Mishka in their yard at the same time and I felt she could have presented them as a novella in a continuous sequence.
Apart from that, I am not sure as to what extent there is exaggeration and imagination from the author involved considering, some of the animals that she claims to have handled are the ones that are perceived to be really wild and predatory such as a wolf or a tiger. Moreover, the author seemed to describe what her sisters did; with such accurate details than what she did herself; which again makes me doubt the extent to which imagination was involved.
However, my problems with the book was more like mode of presentation or to what extent they were exaggerated but individually; looking at it as stories, it makes for an excellent light read and perhaps a very good read for children.
I read this book to take breaks while I was studying and it served the purpose of relaxing my mind and thus, on the whole, I would rate the book a rating of three on five.
Her father, a forester, used to bring back young animals from the wild animals whenever he used to return from hunting and the stories feature the experiences of the sisters - Sonya, Olga (the author), Yulia and Natasha in feeding, taking care of the animals and watching them grow. The stories featured wolves (Dianka and Tomchik), a maral - Caspian stag (Mishka), a donkey (Ishka), a tiger (Vaska), a fox (Frantik) and a horse (Chubary).
The author had described the behaviour and mannerisms of the various animals really well and how the four girls played with these animals, the involvement of their parents; the ruckus caused by these animals and eventually, in some cases, the animal leaving the family after growing up (mainly the wild animals). The surroundings of their forest home, their yard, was also very well described and even though the edition I read had some illustrations, the description was good enough to make do without them. Considering that this is a book that is featuring real life childhood experiences, not all stories have a happy ending.
My main issue was probably the way in which the author chose to structure the novel; that is, as a collection of short stories featuring each animal; whereas, in each story, the girls started out at around the same age and yes, the subsequent story on the fox (Frantik), confirmed that they had the stag Mishka in their yard at the same time and I felt she could have presented them as a novella in a continuous sequence.
Apart from that, I am not sure as to what extent there is exaggeration and imagination from the author involved considering, some of the animals that she claims to have handled are the ones that are perceived to be really wild and predatory such as a wolf or a tiger. Moreover, the author seemed to describe what her sisters did; with such accurate details than what she did herself; which again makes me doubt the extent to which imagination was involved.
However, my problems with the book was more like mode of presentation or to what extent they were exaggerated but individually; looking at it as stories, it makes for an excellent light read and perhaps a very good read for children.
I read this book to take breaks while I was studying and it served the purpose of relaxing my mind and thus, on the whole, I would rate the book a rating of three on five.
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