The Littlest Matryoshka

I bought this book for my grand-daughters, Ava and Maddy. I purchased Matryoshka dolls in Prague while traveling there and was looking for a story to enrich this experience. The Littlest Matryoshka was perfect. The story was endearing and truly held their interest. They couldn't wait to see one happened to the the littlest matryoshka. The story captured their hearts and they wanted to hear it again and again.

I presented this book to my 5 year-old along with a set of Matryoshka dolls from Russia. She loved reading the story and enacting it with her dolls.

I bought this book as I had previously purchased the Matryoshka nesting dolls that go along with the story. My grandchildren (ages 2-7) and I set the dolls up as we read and they truly enjoy the story of the sister's journey to America, the adventures of the lost littlest matryoshka, Nina, and eventually their happy reunion. The children like learning and repeating the sisters Russian names and, although the story emphasizes the theme of sisterly love, you can easily expand on that concept and compare it to brothers and sisters and the importance of family taking care of each other. Also, Kathryn Brown, did a lovely job with her beautiful illustrations throughout the book.