Rechenka's Eggs

Rechenka's Eggs Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco
1996
Weight: 4 oz
Method of Disposal: Lending Library

There seems to be an International theme to my children's books that I do not remember.  Here is a story about an old grandmother who lives alone in the country and paints eggs for the Easter Festival.  A goose is shot down by a hunter, and she takes her in to nurse her back to health.  She names her Rechenka.  Another vegetarian story for me!  Not vegan though.  Rechenka repays the old lady by laying her an egg every morning for breakfast.  Then, in another turn, she wins a feather blanket by bringing Rechenka's eggs to the festival.  Rechenka flies away, back into the wild, but leaves the Babushka a hatching egg so she will have a friend for always.

This book is a great introduction to Russia--a child can learn Russian words, see a little about the art and culture, and even see a bit of architecture!  I do think this is one of those books adults may like a little more than children though.