Sasha's Matrioshka Dolls

Publishers Weekly

Dillon (Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch) crafts an imaginative and touching fable about the origin of matrioshkas, Russian nesting dolls. In "old Moscow," Sasha paints the wooden boxes carved by her grandfather, Boxer. When mice shred Sasha's only rag doll, her grandfather consoles her with a tiny carved doll in a doll-shaped storage box, and he responds to similar snatchings (by rats and a cat) by carving larger, heavier outer dolls. Six layers later, the doll is finally secure-and crowds of young Moscovites are clamoring for their own matrioshkas. The plot is clever and the topic has automatic appeal for doll lovers. What may be most striking, however, are the insight and nuance Dillon brings to the relationship between Boxer and Sasha. Teasing banter reveals their joy in each other's company, while this tender exchange about the word "matrioshka" (literally, "little mother") alludes to the mutual loss that binds them: " `A little mother,' whispered Boxer with tears in his eyes. `Like your little mother, my daughter, once was.' " Lattimore (The Winged Cat) approximates a vibrant, bustling, Russian folk-art style. Floral patterns frame her scenes and adorn the objects within; a note explains that Sasha's matrioshkas are modeled on the style of craftsmen from a particular Russian village. A most satisfying tale. Ages 5-8. (May) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-Sasha and her grandfather live in a shop in old Moscow where he carves boxes to sell and she decorates them. When mice destroy her rag doll, Grandfather Boxer whittles a little wooden figure and then makes a box of the same shape in which to store it. Sasha paints them both to look like matrioshkas, or little mothers. Before long, the rodents carry off the new toys, and Grandfather must reach into the mouse hole to rescue them. He makes a bigger doll but that one is also stolen, this time by a rat. Events continue in this way until grandfather and granddaughter have created seven exquisite nesting dolls. Suddenly, all of the villagers want a set of these figures, bringing prosperity and happiness to the shop. An author's note provides information about the origins of Russian nesting dolls. Lattimore's detailed illustrations keep the action moving along with colorful patterned borders, textiles, and backgrounds. She bases Sasha's matrioshkas on those created by artisans in a village south of Moscow. Children who are unfamiliar with this art form will be charmed by the idea, while collectors can place this book alongside Corinne Demas Bliss's The Littlest Matryoshka (Hyperion, l999), a similar story of loss and recovery.-Susan Hepler, Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Kirkus Reviews

Nesting dolls have a rich history, in Russia, dating from the 19th century. Dillon’s literary legend explains the origin of the tiny matrioshkas ("little mothers"). After Sasha’s rag doll is chewed to shreds by mice, her grandfather--a box maker--carves his young granddaughter a tiny doll. To keep the doll safe from the mice (and the Tsar’s Calvary), he carves a slightly larger doll-shaped box until there are seven dolls one inside the other. When the townspeople see Sasha playing with her "matrioshka dolls" many request a set of seven for themselves. Grandfather has never known such prosperity. Lattimore’s use of watercolors and colored pencils is masterful. Her exquisite illustrations, dominated by folk art motifs and glorious colors, are reminiscent of Old Russia. An author’s note provides a brief historical perspective. A delightful tale destined to delight readers and collectors of the charming carvings. (Picture book. 3-8)