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"Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal K-Gr 2--Popov illustrates this collection of Russian nursery rhymes, songs, and folk poetry translated and retold by Dwyer. Dwyer's biographical note states that she is a professor of Russian studies and was inspired by Popov's art to create an ""appealing [volume] for children of all ages and places."" Unfortunately, the uneven text and off-putting illustrations fail to achieve that goal. The short, silly poems skew toward a young audience. Some of them are too simple, offering little payoff, challenge, or fun wordplay for readers. Longer poems occasionally suffer from confusing, inconsistent rhyme schemes or stanza lengths. The poems use Russian terms and names, but the only cultural context provided is Popov's art. His fanciful, vintage illustrations of children and animals cavorting in rural settings of isolated houses, spare plains, and dark woods create an ominous feel bolstered by the earth-toned palette. The content of the images range from whimsical to unsettling (a ""topsy-turvy"" procession features what can be described as a decapitated horse). All in all, this is a muddled effort that is more likely to confuse or frighten children than delight them. VERDICT Not recommended, except perhaps to adults with professional interests in Russian translations.--Kate Stadt ""Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, MA """

Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal K-Gr 2--Popov illustrates this collection of Russian nursery rhymes, songs, and folk poetry translated and retold by Dwyer. Dwyer's biographical note states that she is a professor of Russian studies and was inspired by Popov's art to create an appealing [volume] for children of all ages and places. Unfortunately, the uneven text and off-putting illustrations fail to achieve that goal. The short, silly poems skew toward a young audience. Some of them are too simple, offering little payoff, challenge, or fun wordplay for readers. Longer poems occasionally suffer from confusing, inconsistent rhyme schemes or stanza lengths. The poems use Russian terms and names, but the only cultural context provided is Popov's art. His fanciful, vintage illustrations of children and animals cavorting in rural settings of isolated houses, spare plains, and dark woods create an ominous feel bolstered by the earth-toned palette. The content of the images range from whimsical to unsettling (a topsy-turvy procession features what can be described as a decapitated horse). All in all, this is a muddled effort that is more likely to confuse or frighten children than delight them. VERDICT Not recommended, except perhaps to adults with professional interests in Russian translations.--Kate Stadt Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library, MA

Author Information

Anne Dwyer is a Russian professor at Pomona College and mother of a toddler living in Claremont, California. She was inspired by the book art of Nikolai Popov to recast Russian children's folklore in a language she hopes will be appealing to children of all ages and places. Nikolai Popov is a well-known Russian visual artist and illustrator. He has won multiple gold medals and Grand Prix at international exhibitions of children's book illustration. Popov has had personal exhibitions in many cities of the world, including Moscow, Tokyo, Rome and Venice. He is an honorary member of the Russian Academy of Arts.

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