Masha and the Bear: A Tale from Russia

by Lari Don, Melanie Williamson (Illustrator)

Overview

★ "An irresistible folktale for early readers and young listeners to savor" — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

When young Masha gets lost in the woods, a friendly bear welcomes her into his home. . . only to insist she stay forever to keep his house tidy. Masha, however, has other plans. This illustrated chapter book retelling of an Russian folktale is available individually and as part of the Stories from around the World: 4 Tales of Persistence & Grit set.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782858409
Publisher:	Barefoot Books
Publication date:	08/20/2019
Series:	Stories From Around the World , #5
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.12(h) x 0.19(d)
Age Range:	6 - 10 Years

About the Author

Lari Don was born in Chile and brought up in Scotland. She has worked in politics and for the BBC, but now spends her time collecting and telling stories and making up new ones. She is an award-winning children's author as well as a traditional storyteller, whose love of myths, legends and fables inspires her fiction. Lari lives in Edinburgh, UK with her family.

Melanie Williamson is an illustrator who loves all things bright and quirky. She collaborated on a poetry anthology titled My First Oxford Book of Nonsense Poems (Oxford University Press, 2002). Melanie lives in Manchester, UK.

Editorial Reviews

★ "An irresistible folktale for early readers and young listeners to savor" — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

From the Publisher

Who's afraid of a big bad bear? This new addition to the fresh, new Animal Stories early reader series presents young readers with another folkloric delight. When young Masha enters a Russian forest to gather berries for her hungry brothers and sisters, she goes a little too far and gets very, very lost. A seemingly helpful bear offers to take her home, but unfortunately, he means to his home! Trapped in a cave and forced to sweep the floor and make pies, the very resourceful Masha must devise a plan to outsmart the bear and find her way back to her family. An excellent choice for early readers with some confidence, this selection also makes a fine read-aloud, though a bit of background on the tale would add to the whole experience. Stylized, colorful illustrations brim with appeal, and occasional speech bubbles echo the story's gentle humor. Controlled vocabulary, with just enough repetition to help young readers along, blends nicely here with the accessible plot, pitch-perfect timing, and clever, satisfying ending. Will Masha manage to return to her family? Will the bear have to learn to bake his own pies? Tune in to this cheery, engaging tale to find out! Wit, humor and a resourceful heroine come together in an irresistible folk tale for early readers and young listeners to savor. (Early reader/folk tale. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews