Russian Folk-Tales by James Riordan

A collection of translated Russian folk-tales ranging from the familiar to the unknown.

This collection contains both fairy and beast tales. Interesting, woman/girls are portrayed more often as heroines and controlling their destiny and the author attributes this to the "Motherland" influence. Clearly identified as having model source notes located at the back and in endnotes. This really helped me understand the context of the stories as I am not Russian nor did I study children's literature. The text is the focus here with almost page long text and few illustrations. Repetition and cadence typically used to keep children's attention is not employed here making this more appropriate for 8-12 year old children. Illustrations are colorful and unique. I don't think I have seen anything quite like them in any of the books I have read.

I found the stories to be darker and not as interesting as other folktales. I wonder if it was my unfamiliarity with them that made the difference. Let's face it the witch fattening up Hansel and Gretel to eat is not the most heartwarming tale. And the nursery rhyme about 'when the bough breaks the baby will fall...' is disturbing now as an adult!

Riordan, J. (2000). Russian folk-tales. Oxford, England: University Press.
ISBN: 0192745360
Illustrated by Andrew Breakspeare

A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman

A bear visiting the laundromat with his owner wants a pocket of his own. In searching for something to make his pocket, he gets left overnight at the laundromat until the next morning when his owner comes to search for him again. Upon hearing what happened, she makes him a pocket and a name card for it.

The elements of the story - laundromat, getting washed, staying overnight- are familiar to children. The curiosity Corduroy experiences mirrors that of children and this is why the Corduroy books are so successful.

Freeman, D. (1978). A pocket for corduroy. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 0140503528
Illustrated by the author

Winnie-the-Pooh and Some Bees by A.A. Milne

Winnie-the-Pooh attempts to gather some honey from the bee's nest with the help of a balloon and Christopher Robin. Beautiful illustrations accompany this unsuccessful adventure to get the honey.

This is an adapted story from the larger Winnie-the-Pooh book and the illustrations appear to me to be more appealing and childlike than the Disney edition. This book was just the right length for a child learning to read or preschool age. I suppose that is why it was adapted into a standalone edition. A. A. Milne, writing for Winnie-the-Pooh, has an original voice that I haven't read anywhere else. Very enjoyable!

Milne, A.A. (2001). Winnie-the-pooh and some bees. New York, NY: Dutton Children's Books.
ISBN: 0525467815
Illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard
Adapted by Stephen Krensky

Bears by Ruth Krauss

Rhyming text describes the many places bears can be found by Max from Where the Wild Things Are.

The flap copy explains there are only 27 words found in this book. My first thought is that the illustrations must be telling a parallel story or else this won't be very interesting to read with children. Of course, with Maurice Sendak illustrating, I should have known it would be visually interesting.

Krauss, R. (2005). Bears. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 006027994x
Illustrated by Maurice Sendak