BEARS, BEES AND BIRCH TREES: Russian Riddles and Rhymes
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A sampling, in picture book format, of riddles, rhymes and games known to Russian children. Answers to the riddles -- from beetle to samovar -- are printed in both English and Russian, and the Russian alphabet is printed on the end papers. Unfortunately neither Norma Green's adaptations (""Busy craftsmen in their homes/ Cluster on the honeycombs"" -- bees; ""Up high the ribbons descend,/ Forming a colorful blend"" -- rainbow) nor her two-toned water color illustrations have the rhythm and vitality that keeps such folk material alive. However, adults working with children can find usable material here.