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The Story Of Babushka Paperback – February 11, 2021

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 97 ratings

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A beautifully illustrated book, with a magnificent story that children will love.Babushka wants to find out the meaning of life so she sends her bodies out of the forest and into the world to search for answers. But there is a hurdle to overcome before all of the bodies can reunite and return to the forest.WHAT IS A BABUSHKA?The Babushka doll, also known as a "Matryoshka" or "Russian Nesting Doll", is a traditional Russian toy first made over 100 years ago. The doll has come to symbolize Russian folk culture, as well as the complex and beautiful layers of women. This is the story of one very special doll, with five bodies that together make the Babushka: There was the outermost body, Antonia. She was pure beauty and everyone who saw her raved about her good looks. Beneath that body of beauty hid the second body, Loretta, who was richly adorned. She wore gold ornaments, and her robe was decorated with many different gems that glittered like the ocean on a sunny day. Hidden within the rich body was Paula the body that held all the talents. Whatever Paula did, she was sure to succeed. She knew how to work and always did so with joy and determination. Under the shell of the talented body was Viola, the body of wisdom. Viola knew a lot about the world and learned very quickly. She was always full of brilliant ideas and had clever solutions for every problem. The last body, the innermost and smallest of all, was Mary, the embodiment of love. Mary had a compassionate heart and was very helpful. She had the special ability to dry tears and mend broken hearts. All these bodies together formed the beautiful Babushka.Reading this book, your child will learn about:– The value of friendship and love.– That financial wealth alone cannot make someone happy.– Not to judge outer appearance.– To recognize their value and much more
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Matthew W, Educator ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"The Story of Babushka is an endearing and important fable for all ages. At times, the language has a poetic quality and I was swept away into what felt like a fairy-tale wonderland."Kirsty Crommie, Blogger ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This is one of the most beautiful, engaging and thought-provoking books I have read this year. I really loved it and it would be an exquisite addition to any bookshelf."Sonali A, Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"An engaging read. It is so full of hope." Rogene C, Educator ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"An incredibly enchanting and well-composed book for children that had me hooked from the first page until the very last. Highly recommended."Erin H, Librarian ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Completely heartwarming with a soul steeped in tradition, there is much to share and enjoy with this beautifully illustrated story. Likely to engage and enchant readers, young and old."Olivia S, Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Perfect to read to children. You will find many valuable lessons on self-worth, helping others, and most importantly, that you cannot have one 'main' characteristic that defines your whole personality."Jillian C, Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for a charming, gorgeously illustrated, and heartwarming story."Joy K, Educator ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This book has a lot of complex themes that will interest young readers. It talks about how people can be multi-faceted and how individuals have layers to their personalities. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful. They are colourful, playful, and inviting."Libros H, Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"This book speaks to us of people and values that are important for building a fair and honest society in which we can all live together in harmony. It also speaks of diversity, of the different capacities and ways of adapting people to the different challenges that arise throughout life."Kellen G, Educator ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"Together with beautifully illustrations, this simple tale, pinpoints a deep critic of the world and how easy it is to lose one self, but also bringing the light of hope as to achieve a better future."Monica E, Reviewer ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I absolutely adore this book. It is deep and thoughtful. CRAFTY & CREATIVE! You will be thinking about the messages within long after you've finished this book.

From the Author

visit thestoryofbabushka.com and goto the shop for free downloadable colouring pages to keep your kids entertained!

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ ACL Creative Studio (February 11, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 90 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1838022325
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1838022327
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 12 years
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.3 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.22 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 97 ratings

About the author

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Catherine Flores
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Since quitting her full-time job at a branding communication agency in Zurich, Catherine has gone on to become a successful purpose-driven agency owner and a children’s author. She lives on the small island of Madeira with her family, spending her time growing vegetables in her garden and working for clients around the world.

For the interactive website for "The Story Of Babushka" visit http://www.thestoryofbabushka.com

You can also visit her design agency at http://www.brighterfuture.agency

Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
97 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the story lovely and delightful. It has many lessons and is interesting. The illustrations are lovely and the book is suitable for ages 5 to adult. Readers appreciate the nice writing and easy flow of the story.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

11 customers mention "Story quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the story lovely and delightful. They enjoy the moral lessons and find the book interesting. The writing flows well and readers appreciate the morals.

"...While I think it’s a bit above his comprehension, I thought it was very good and enjoyed the morals!!..." Read more

"...but I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely the writing and story flowed and how easy it was to get through...." Read more

"...The outermost layer is Antonia. She is a sight of pure beauty and admired by everyone for her good looks...." Read more

"The Story Of Babushka is a charming story by Catherine Flores about Russian nesting dolls...." Read more

4 customers mention "Illustrations"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the illustrations. However, they say the written content is what makes the tale.

"...The illustrations are also quite lovely and I was impressed with each little Babushkas...." Read more

"...The illustrations are beautiful and so is the story, which teaches kids the value of friendship and to look at everything that is inside...." Read more

"...While the illustrations are lovely, it is the written content that makes this tale so great...." Read more

"...Appropriate for the times. Great illustrations. Beautifully written story." Read more

3 customers mention "Age range"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book suitable for children and adults. They say it's a great children's book and a must-read for anyone with children.

"...Recommended for ages 5 to adult." Read more

"...This is a must read for anyone with children, but also a good one for many adults!" Read more

"A great children's book!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality good. They appreciate how nicely the story flows and the illustrations complement the writing style.

"...but I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely the writing and story flowed and how easy it was to get through...." Read more

"...While the illustrations are lovely, it is the written content that makes this tale so great...." Read more

"...Appropriate for the times. Great illustrations. Beautifully written story." Read more

Super sweet with Charming Illustrations!!
5 out of 5 stars
Super sweet with Charming Illustrations!!
originally got this to see if it would be suitable for my four year old. While I think it’s a bit above his comprehension, I thought it was very good and enjoyed the morals!! The illustrations are also quite lovely and I was impressed with each little Babushkas.Many children’s books these days don’t have lessons for the children to learn or are so much a lesson that it might as well be a school book. Then there are others that are simply strange and illustrations that would be scary to small kids!! So I have to read the books prior to letting my children looking at them. This one is super sweet, has a subtle message, and really the pictures are quite charming.I cannot wait until my eldest is about 6 so I can read this one to him!! I think he’ll get as much enjoyment out of this as I have!! Super glad I picked this one out even though I have to wait to share it with my kids. I recommend this for ages 5 or 6 and up, depending on maturity and ability for them to sit still.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2020
    originally got this to see if it would be suitable for my four year old. While I think it’s a bit above his comprehension, I thought it was very good and enjoyed the morals!! The illustrations are also quite lovely and I was impressed with each little Babushkas.

    Many children’s books these days don’t have lessons for the children to learn or are so much a lesson that it might as well be a school book. Then there are others that are simply strange and illustrations that would be scary to small kids!! So I have to read the books prior to letting my children looking at them. This one is super sweet, has a subtle message, and really the pictures are quite charming.

    I cannot wait until my eldest is about 6 so I can read this one to him!! I think he’ll get as much enjoyment out of this as I have!! Super glad I picked this one out even though I have to wait to share it with my kids. I recommend this for ages 5 or 6 and up, depending on maturity and ability for them to sit still.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars Super sweet with Charming Illustrations!!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2020
    originally got this to see if it would be suitable for my four year old. While I think it’s a bit above his comprehension, I thought it was very good and enjoyed the morals!! The illustrations are also quite lovely and I was impressed with each little Babushkas.

    Many children’s books these days don’t have lessons for the children to learn or are so much a lesson that it might as well be a school book. Then there are others that are simply strange and illustrations that would be scary to small kids!! So I have to read the books prior to letting my children looking at them. This one is super sweet, has a subtle message, and really the pictures are quite charming.

    I cannot wait until my eldest is about 6 so I can read this one to him!! I think he’ll get as much enjoyment out of this as I have!! Super glad I picked this one out even though I have to wait to share it with my kids. I recommend this for ages 5 or 6 and up, depending on maturity and ability for them to sit still.
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2020
    I wasn't sure what to make of this (its a story about a nesting doll) but I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely the writing and story flowed and how easy it was to get through. It was a great story with a couple moral lessons thrown in for good measure. I don't know much of anything about nesting dolls but this was a fun read!
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2020
    #TheStoryOfBabushka #NetGalley
    The Story of Babushka by Catherine Flores is a folktale that speaks to the heart of peoples across the world. It is a search for life's meaning and the desire we all have to live a life of value. There are a number of Russian tales telling of Babushka as a witch or as a grandmotherly figure. In this story , my favorite of all the tales, she is a Russian nesting doll. True to all nesting dolls upon opening and removing one layer you find another doll/person which is a little different than the one before it and the others after it. . In this story, our Babushka is made up of 5 layers or personalities. The outermost layer is Antonia. She is a sight of pure beauty and admired by everyone for her good looks. Next is Loretta, who is striking for the gold ornaments, glitter and jewels which cover her. The third layer is the person known as Paula. She is a dedicated and joyful worker known for her talents. Viola, the fourth doll, is famous for her wisdom, brilliant ideas and ability to find solutions. At the request of someone she has met and the the encouragement of Mary, the littlest of the dolls, who is filled with love, they each go out into the world in search of meaning for themselves and for others. What they all discover through their travels and with the help of Mary, the heart of them all, is a story you will want to read for yourself.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2020
    The Story Of Babushka is a charming story by Catherine Flores about Russian nesting dolls. The illustrations are beautiful and so is the story, which teaches kids the value of friendship and to look at everything that is inside.
    Many thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the advance copy.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2020
    The Story of Babushka is one that should be in every child's library! While the illustrations are lovely, it is the written content that makes this tale so great. The story begins with an introduction to Babushka and her five bodies within. Each body has a different quality or asset which contributes to Babushka's character overall.

    Like many of us have done, Babushka ponders over what the meaning of life is. This one question and her subsequent choices are where the story lies.

    Throughout Babushka's journey she will learn a few valuable life lessons that will ring true for everyone. Sometimes we could all use a reminder that we need to remain true to ourselves and not spread ourselves too thin.

    I would recommend this book for children of any age. However, with the vocabulary being what it is I believe children ages 6/7 and up would have a greater level of reading comprehension.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2020
    If you like books that teach lessons, then this is one of the most delightful books I have ever read.
    In this story, Babushka, which means “grandmother” in Russian, is searching for meaning in her life. She is happy with her life in the forest but continues to wonder what additional opportunities there might be. Come along on this journey with Babushka and see what she discovers. Recommended for ages 5 to adult.
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2020
    Such a beautiful reminder of core life lessons. I absolutely loved the story and the way the author used it to reveal those lessons to the reader. Really everyone should read this book!
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2020
    Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this copy of The Story of Babushka by Catherine Flores. It publishes July 29, 2020.
    This beautifully illustrated book follow a babushka doll as the 5 parts of her search for the meaning of life, and their purpose in life.
    As they go along, they find that not everything is what it seems and some big lessons along the way.
    I think this would be a valuable book for any middle-elementary school-aged child.
    I am much older than that, but enjoyed this cautionary tale!

Top reviews from other countries

  • I_teach_muggles
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Story of Babushka is an endearing and important fable for all ages.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 22, 2020
    Having travelled to the fabulous country of Russia I was immediately drawn to this book. On my travels in Russia I visited a lady just outside of a town called Kungur who made the most fantastic gingerbread and incredible Babushka dolls. It was from this lady that I learnt all about the meaning of the Babushka and it’s legend and folklore in Russian culture.

    The Story of Babushka tells the journeys of five dolls who each set out to find their own purpose in life. Each doll has its own special quality; Antonia is beautiful, Loretta epitomises riches and wealth, Paula is full of talent and success, Viola is the brains; intelligent and wise, and Mary is loving.

    Babushka was content with her life in the forest but would often wonder about life - its meaning and her purpose. Babushka had some of the answers,

    “The brook’s purpose was to flow, and the birds’ purpose was to sing.”

    Babushka wants to find the meaning of her life and so she sends her five bodies off to find their true purpose in life. Guided by Mary, her inner voice, the Babushka gradually lets each doll go and as they venture from their forest home in search of answers, each doll has a clear life goal.

    But life is never simple and as each doll embarks on a voyage of self-discovery they are exposed to some harsh life-lessons. Feeling at a loss, the innermost doll, Mary, heads off in search of her own purpose guided by the wind. And slowly she is guided back to her four other parts and the Babushka doll becomes whole once again.

    The Story of Babushka is an endearing and important fable for all ages. At times, the language has a poetic quality and I was swept away into what felt like a fairy-tale wonderland. I love the message in this book - you are not defined by one particular characteristic, there are many parts that make your whole. There are valuable lessons on friendship and love, appearances, wealth and happiness (money can’t buy happiness), valuing yourself and helping others. It is all of these bodies that form the whole Babushka and whilst they may each have their own purpose they are at their strongest and happiest when they are together.

    The illustrations of the dolls are beautiful - the intricate designs, the attention to detail, the size. They are exactly what I think of when I picture Babushka dolls in my head and think back to all the wonderful ones I saw in Russia. Each doll is unique with its own beauty - inner and outer.

    A book that is worthy of being read by and shared with all ages. The messages and lessons in this book will be appreciated by readers of 9+ whilst younger children will delight in the beautiful artwork and will enjoy the story without delving deeper into the more complex issues and morals. A read that will generate plenty of discussion by readers both young and old.

    With huge thanks to Catherine Flores for the ARC.
  • Tiffany
    4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing, thoughtful for children's and adults alike
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 11, 2020
    The Story of Babushka is such a wonderful tale that follows Babushka, as she sends out her five selves to discover the meaning of life.

    I loved how Flores wove a story full of enriching and important life lessons for children and captures the question that every person asks throughout their life and how it can take a little (or a lot) of searching with your heart and your mind to find something that fulfils you. Each self of the Babushka set off on their own adventure, learning their own lessons about wealth, passion, love and the power the people have.

    This story is aimed at an older audience of 9-12 year olds, which is perfect as the age kids start to question more about themselves and the world and is a great way to introduce this story in a classroom. The unique format of this book works perfectly as a storytime, with its picture book-eque style, along with beautiful and simple illustrations by Ana Beatriz Marques, that provide a rich look into this world combined with the story.

    I really enjoyed this thoughtful and heartwarming story and cannot wait to see what else Catherine Flores writes in the future!
  • donnasbookblog
    5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning children's book - very, very highly recommended!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2020
    I have to say that this was a simply gorgeous book all around!

    It was well written and had a lovely flow to it, the story was well planned out and well developed and the images are superb - it is a stunning book to read and it is honestly a highlight of my reading year for this kind of book!!

    Everything about this book worked for me and I cannot recommend it highly enough - no hesitation at all in giving this one 5 stars - very highly recommended!!
  • Dannielle Drayton
    3.0 out of 5 stars The Story of Babushka
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2020
    Thank you Netgalley for letting me read this book in return for an honest review.

    Disclaimer
    - The download on Netgalley for this did not work so I didn't give feedback but then the author reached out with a link where it was free for a limited amount of time so I managed to read it and I can give a review now!
    - 3 Stars does not mean it is a bad book!

    This book is mainly aimed at children (you can definitely read it if you are older) and shows the story of the traditional Russian nesting/Matryoshka where each doll is their own person and has their own personality including strengths and flaws. It also shows how each doll/person copes within the bodies of each other and separately. The illustrations are both sweet and simple just like the story itself.

    It is a small read (120 pages) which I feel is perfect for children, especially as each segment is split into small chapters which made it easier to read in small doses.

    Rating
    3⭐

    Would I read it again:

    No, but if I was babysitting or looking after a younger person than I would probably read it/with to them!

    Would I recommend it:

    Yes, to parents/children
  • Metricist
    4.0 out of 5 stars Possibly slightly too old for four year olds.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 8, 2020
    but otherwise a really good story with beautiful illustrations.