Third Graders had their passport stamped as they entered the magical world of Russian folklore this month in the library. The two groups read a variety of different folk tales centered around Baba Yaga, a witch archetype found in traditional Russian folk tales. In Grandma Chicken Legs, author Geraldine McCaughrean artfully weaves the classic Russian Baba Yaga story (about a witch who lives in a hut on chicken legs who flies in a bowl through the air) with the familiar Grimm’s version of Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel. Some students also read Babuskha Baba Yaga, a modern twist on the classic Russian fairy tale. Award winning author Patricia Polacco, who is of Russian heritage, tells a story that is, in traditional fairy tale style, enchanting, a little spooky and with a hint of surprise at the end. Students also had the opportunity to examine some Russian cultural objects—matrioshki (colorfully painted nesting dolls), pysanki (decorated wooden eggs), khokhloma (native crockery) and had a chuckle as I donned my rubashka (shirt), sarafan (ornate apron) and covered my head with a platok (headscarf). We concluded with book browsing and a hearty “Do Svidaniya” (goodbye). Books are due on 10.31.10. Happy Reading!
