Friday, October 3, 2014

PPBF: The Magic Nesting Doll






It's good to finally get back into the groove with Perfect Picture Book Fridays! I have had a busy summer, involved mostly with graduating our son from the home school environment, and taking him south to college in Texas.

I also had time for two writer's conferences: The WOW! Retreat in Georgia, and Michigan's SCBWI "Somewhere in Time" conference on Mackinac Island, which focused on non-fiction. What a delight to have the (in my book) Queen of Historic Storytelling, Candace Fleming, take us through the steps we needed to write fabulous historic fiction and creative non-fiction.

Incidentally, she has just published The Family Romanov which relates in a way to my PPBF offering.  I think I've found a kindred spirit! And here we are:



Although I normally focus on historic fiction for PPBF (and will continue to do so), today I want to share a gorgeous book I found while researching a story I am writing . . .

Title: The Magic Nesting Doll
Author: Jacqueline K. Ogburn
Illustrator: Laurel Long
Publisher: Dial Books (Penguin Putnam, Inc.)
Date: 2000

Age Range: All 
Genre: Fairytale

First Paragraph: "Once upon a time a girl named Katya lived with her grandmother at the edge of the forest. They worked hard and loved eachother tenderly until one day the old woman fell ill.

Why I Like It: Not only is it a beautifully woven story, but the artwork (oil paints on watercolor paper primed with gesso) is stunning and intricate, just like a matryoshka doll. Since taking our two children, now in their late teens, and adopted in Russia, back to the Motherland this spring, I have a new appreciation for this country's art.

Here are a few websites relating to the story:



11 Most Interesting Facts About Matryoshka Dolls:

The Making of Nesting Dolls in 6 minutes. You'll get a good taste of the Russian language!

Nice summary of the Russian culture HERE

Find the book on AMAZON

Good Books for Young Souls website, with more info and products relating to The Magic Nesting Doll 


Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.



16 comments:

  1. What a beautiful cover. I love Russian stacking dolls and anything Russian. I have a beautiful set. So, will have to check out the new book on The Family Romanov. Great idea to teach kids how to make nesting dolls.

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    1. Isn't it?? And me, too. Especially my children who were adopted from Russia!

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  2. I saw a post about Candace's new Romanoff book and thought of you, Jarmilla! I have a set of nesting Santas. Nothing authentic or fancy but kids are drawn to them.

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    1. Yes, it's a great read, Wendy. Thanks for stopping by . . . and thinking of me!

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  3. LOVE Candace Fleming! Who says there aren't any great fairytale pbs anymore? Thanks for pointing this one out. It looks great.

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    1. Yes, and the story is as charming as the illustrations, Joanne!

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  4. Oh Jarm, lucky you! You got to go to WOW and meet Candy Fleming. That is AWESOME. I can't wait to read about the nesting dolls. I haven't been to Russia yet, but it's on my bucket list.

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    1. I hope your dreams come true, Kristen. . .Russia is oozing with history!!

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  5. I always wanted nesting dolls - they seemed so magic & exotic! Sounds like a cool story.

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    1. They are, Sue. Hope you get the chance to read it!

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  6. Oh how lovely! This story sounds enchanting. The cover is beautiful, and I love any kind of fairy tale :) Thanks so much for sharing this one, Jarm, and so good to have you back with us :)

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    1. Then I KNOW you would love this one, Susanna. It's good to be back!

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  7. What a beautiful book!

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    1. It is, Rhythm. There are animals in the story, but, sadly, no dogs. ;-}

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  8. It looks gorgeous. Hope I can find a copy. Thanks for sharing.

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Journey into the Promised Land
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