Nicolas SidjakovRezensionen

Baboushka, an old woman, is too busy with her household chores to go with the three kings in search of the child. She regrets and unsuccessfully tries to follow them. She continues to try to find the child each year, leaving gifts for children along her journey. The book won the Caldecott medal when it first came out, and the illustrations are surprisingly still lovely although probably in a different sort of way than they were in 1960. The book could be used to discuss the importance of seeking Christ before it is too late. Baboushka is somewhat like Santa Claus when it comes to leaving gifts for children. This Russian folk tale adaptation holds up well. The book includes the music and lyrics to a folk song about the woman.

Retelling of a Russian tale of Baboushka, local equivalent of Santa, who declined an invitation to travel with the Magi.

Illustrations are made up of geometric shapes and bright, primary colors. The illustrations are reminiscent of the the simple, yet precious gifts the Baboushka intends to give the new baby in this Russian Christmas tale.

A wonderful version of the Three Wisemen looking for the Child. The vivid colors in contrast to the simply drawn figures really give it a feel of Russia. An excellent story to add to any holiday collection.

Summary: Baboushka is an elderly woman who is keeping warm in her house in the midst of winter. One evening, three kings knock at her door and ask her to accompany them to search for the “Child.” She offers to join them first thing in the morning but they aren’t able to wait for her so they continue on with their journey. The next morning, Baboushka decides to join them so she searches for them to find Him.
*The Child is referring to Jesus when he was born.

Personal review: Throughout this book, I found myself wondering what Baboushka actually meant. I was engaged while reading it, mostly because I thought I would find out what Baboushka meant. All the text explained was that it was an elderly woman who searches for Him at the same time every year and gives the people that she sees along the way some gifts. I was intrigued by this book because I found myself questioning whether Baboushka was the Child, or if she was Santa, and whether she ever found the Child. I was so intrigued that I ended up doing more research about the story of Baboushka and how Christmas is celebrated in Russia.

This simple little picture book is the retelling of a traditional Russian folk tale about an old woman who is visited by the Three Kings as they follow the star in search of the Child. They ask her to accompany them, but she declines, then thinks better of it, but cannot find their trail. Each year she renews her search, and she leaves little gifts for the children she encounters on her way.

Nicolas Sidjakov’s illustrations earned the Caldecott Medal. They remind me of stained glass windows, with strong lines and bright colors.

This is a lovely re-telling of a Russian folk tale about an old woman who is invited by the three kings on their way to find the baby Jesus to accompany them. But Baboushka hasn't finished her chores and doesn't want to go out on a cold night so the kings go on without her. Later Baboushka decides to find the baby and take it a few small gifts but she cannot find the path the kings made and she cannot find the baby. This book won the Caldecott Medal in 1960 when it was first published as "the most distinguished American picture book for children".½

Baboushka and The Three Kings is a children's picture book. It can be used during a multicultural lesson. This book takes place in Russia. Baboushka is a poor women who works hard cleaning. She traveled from village to village in search for a child.

Baboushka and the Three Kings won the Caldecott medal as the best illustrated American children's book in 1961. Stylistically, these images will remind you of stained glass windows and the abstraction of Egyptian murals with Byzantine faces. The pages are done in five colors only (black plus blue, yellow, an orange-red, and green). The result gives the book a religious tone that makes you imagine you are reading from an illuminated manuscript done during the middle ages.

Lovely little story, interesting art, but apparently not authentic: https://suite.io/irene-woodhead/4jbf27d

Intro: Is the legend about Babushka and the Three Wise Men really Russian? No, it's not. She doesn't bring gifts to Russian kids and they've never heard about her.""

Russian folktale of a humble old woman on the night of Jesus' birth

I would use this book in a first or second grade classroom. I would use this book at these grade levels because it tells a tale that is very similar to Santa Claus which interests children at these grade levels. I would use this book as a guided reading book or as a read aloud book and incorporate it into different lessons.

This story reminds me of a similar story that I have heard for many years. It reminds me of the story of Jesus. I'm not saying that this is that story, but it resembles it. Three kings go to Baboushka's house, asking her to search for the new child with them. She declines because she has to finish her chores and it is really cold out. The three kings kept on their way without Baboushka. Baboushka felt guilt as she sat to eat her meal. She set out to follow the kings, but she was too far behind. She went from village to village searching for the new child, yet no one could help her. So every year at this time, it is said that Baboshka can be found searching and traveling looking for the new child. The illustrations in this book are marvelous and colorful. They remind me of Russian history, as this is a Russian tale. It shows that this book is obviously old and full of history, if not history, its just fun to read.

I thought it was a sweet story reminiscent of a Santa-like character. It tied the character Baboushka in with the story of Christ's birth by having the three kings/wise men visit her on their way to Bethlehem. I didn't think it was a particularly exciting book on its own, but it could be made exciting were it read during a lesson about various cultures' folklore.

"Baboushka and the Three Kings" by Ruth Robbins is phenomenal children's book about the story of Baboushka who is trying to help three kings and their men find the a child who is being born in a far away place. This child is very special and they must rejoice his birth. This 1961 classic takes the story of Baboushka and turns it into a masterpiece. The ending leaves you wanting more and leaving you curious if Baboushka ever completed her goal. The pictures in the book are not as well drawn or made as a 21st century book by far, but if they were I think that would take away from the greatness of the book itself. The drawings in the book definitely give the reader the ability to use their imagination rather than being spoon fed the idea.

I have never read a Russian folktale, so I enjoyed seeking out cultural connections in this story. The illustrations in this book stand out, because they consist of only the primary colors, black, and white. The pictures of buildings and characters look Russian, stylistically. This would be a fun story to use before Christmas time, because students would be able to compare Baboushka to Santa Claus. Plus, great critical thinking and discussions could take place around the life lesson that stood out to me which was "no regrets."

I find the illustrations in this book very striking and the colors vibrant. I think the unique style of illustration adds to the authenticity of the story. This is a good book to integrate into a text-set on traditions and/or culture. I think this book would be appropriate for students in 3rd-5th grade.

Summary- Three Wise Men stop by a grandmother's house and ask her to journey with them to find the Christ child. She refuses because her work is not done. However, after her housework is done she reflects on the wise and men and decides she should have gone. She gather three meager presents and head off to find the wise men. She does not find them but gives gifts to the children instead. Each year she goes out looking with presents.

Personal Reaction- I don't think children of today would find the illustration welcoming. They might even think they were scary but overall it was a nice Christmas Story.

Extensions- A good way to begin a discussion about holiday celebrations around the world

Summary: This story follows a Russian woman who is asked to accompany three kings to the birth of Jesus. This is a Christmas story but also an origin story.

Personal connection: I love Christmas even though I do not celebrate it and enjoy hearing about all the different customs and stories from different nationalities.

Class use: Have each student discuss a story about Christmas, Hannukah or Ramadan from each of their cultures.

Baboushka and the Three Kings tells the story of the three wise men searching for baby Jesus. The men lose their way and stop at Baboushka's house to ask for directions. They ask if she would like to join them on their journey, but she declines to finish her housework. After she is finished, she wanders out to find the men. At the same time each year following Baboushka walks throughout the town and leaves small gifts for the children. I enjoyed this story because it was a different variation of the typical three wise men story. I think this would be great to read to children around Christmas to show children the various Christmas traditions around the world.

In Baboushka and the Three Kings, a meager, elderly woman is visited by the three kings searching for the Christ child. They invite her to journey with them and she refuses. Realizing that she has passed up a great opportunity, the next morning she gathers a few gifts and sets out to follow the kings in pursuit of the child. She was unsuccessful in finding the entourage. Legend states that each year on the anniversary of their visit, Baboushka sets out on a journey to find the child, leaving gifts for the children in each village she visits.

Personal Reflection: This story reminds me of a Russian rendition of Saint Nicholas as the Baboushka leaves gifts for the children in honor of the Christ child. It is a good reminder to seize opportunities as they arise. It also reinforces the idea that one should never give up on what they believe is the right thing to do.

Extension Ideas:
1. Read this book during the Christmas season and use it and other stories to discuss Christmas traditions across the world and how they differ from our own traditions.
2. Have children explain what they think her journey was like, What do they think it would be like to travel alone? What was the weather like? How did she feel that she didn't go with the Kings? Why did she leave gifts for the children?

Summary:

Adapted from a Russian folk tale about an old man who refused to join the Three Kings when they asked her to accompany them as they followed the bright star to find the new born babe. Baboushka is a poor woman of humble means, and offers the Three Kings her warm home as a place to rest for the night. They do not want to wait to find the babe, and she does not want to travel in the cold and snowy night. After they have gone, she changes her mind and in the morning she decides to go in search of the Three Kings and the new born babe. She searches and searches, but never finds the Three Kings or the new babe. Every year the children look for a visit from Baboushka as she continues her search for the Three Kings and the new born babe, bringing with her a humble sack of gifts.

Personal Reaction:

Quickly I associated this story with the story from the Bible of the Three Kings who followed the bright star in search of baby Jesus. This humble, simple story had a very sad tone I felt as Baboushka tried so diligently to find the Three Kings and the new babe they were looking for - but was never able to find. The second association for me, was the idea that children would eagerly anticipate a visit from Baboushka and her sack of humble gifts much like children in the United States wait on Christmas night for a visit from Santa Claus and his sack of Christmas presents. I enjoyed the simplicity of this book, and the tender message of the humble Baboushka.

Classroom Extension Ideas:

1. Using this story as a writing prompt, students could write and then draw what items they believe Baboushka is bringing in her sack for the new born babe.

2. This story is a good representation of an adapted story, and could be used in conjunction with other adapted stories to read for a compare and contrast writing prompt. How are the stories the same? How are the stories different?

Caldecott winner, 1961
Baboushka helps aid the Three Kings in search of the Child born at Christmas. Accompany song in the back.

very good bookRussian story based on the story of Jesus's birth. The three kings set out to find baby Jesus by following a bright star. This story could be used in the classroom in relation to the three kings and how Baboushka would give out gifts instead of santa claus.½

Revised Review from 12/19/20:

Presented as a Christmas folktale from Russia, Baboushka and the Three Kings is an original story that tells of an old woman who, when the Three Kings stop at her humble cottage on their way to visit the Christ child, chooses not to accompany them on their journey. Regretting this decision almost instantly, Baboushka sets out to follow them the next day, only to find that she cannot overtake them, nor find the child...

Originally published in 1960, and awarded a Caldecott Medal for its illustrations in 1961, this Christmas picture-book is one I read back in 2010, and found quite interesting, despite my lack of appreciation for the artwork (see my original review below). The story reminded me of the Italian folktale concerning Old Befana, or the Dominican story of La Vieja Belen, and I assumed at the time that it was simply a Russian variant of a tale type found in multiple cultures. As someone who reads a great deal of folklore, I often find such parallels in the stories I encounter. At some point after writing my initial review, I discovered that this was in fact not a story taken from traditional Russian lore, and that its source was most likely American author Edith M. Thomas' 1907 poem Babushka (A Russian Legend), taken from her collection, Children of Christmas. Apparently there was also a play created for children from this piece. I am not sure what Thomas' sources were, as I have not investigated the subject that extensively, but clearly her work influenced subsequent American children's literature, when it comes to the presentation of this story.

In any case, I had intended to amend my review when I first discovered this new information, but then it somehow escaped me, and in the intervening years, removing the review from goodreads and then adding it again, I forgot all about it. My thanks to Olga, who commented on it, for reminding me. Readers should be aware that this is not a traditional Russian tale, and does not reflect Russian Christmas customs, although it does bear a striking resemblance to the Christmas folklore from other cultures.

Original Review from 12/10/10:

A Christmas folktale from Russia, Baboushka and the Three Kings tells the story of an old woman who, when the Three Kings stop at her humble cottage on their way to visit the Christ child, chooses not to accompany them on their journey. Regretting this decision almost instantly, Baboushka sets out to follow them the next day, only to find that she cannot overtake them, nor find the child...

I understand that Baboushka is something of a Santa Claus figure in traditional Russian culture, bringing holiday gifts for the children. For my part, I have always found this story of a woman's eternal search for the Christ child immensely poignant, and have read it as an allegory of the Christian experience. I wish I could say that I enjoyed Nicolas Sidjakov's illustrations - which were awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1961 - as much as the narrative, but I'm afraid that this particular style of four-color artwork, so popular in the 1960s, does not appeal to me. For those who feel the same, I recommend taking a look at Arthur Scholey's retelling of the same tale (Baboushka A Christmas Folktale from Russia), with illustrations by Helen Cann.