Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the author for Turn the Pages Book Tours! Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Story of Babushka

Author: Catherine Flores, Ana Beatriz Marques (illustrator)

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 5/5

Recommended For...: children’s book, beginning chapter books, fantasy

Publication Date: July 29, 2020

Genre: Children’s Fantasy

Recommended Age: 5+ (self worth discussed)

Publisher: ACL Creative Studio

Pages: 120

Synopsis: 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.

Review: Overall I thought this was a cute and amazing tale. I loved how the book is presented as a hybrid of a chapter book and a picture book. The book does well to represent self worth and how there are different parts of everyone that make up a whole person! The book also talks about friendship, love, money, and appearance. The story was engaging and had a great life message for young and old children.

Verdict: Recommended for youngsters!