RECHENKA'S EGGS
illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Babushka always wins first prize for her beautifully painted eggs at the Easter Festival in Moskva (Moscow). But this year she takes in a wounded wild goose (Rechenka); and when Rechenka regains her strength, she flaps about and breaks a winter's work. Magically, she lays a dozen perfectly decorated replacements and then flies away—leaving a final egg to hatch and provide Babushka with companionship. The array of beautiful egg designs is the best feature of this slight story; in addition, Polacco employs a variety of artistic styles in uneasy juxtaposition—decorative fabrics and peasant designs, Babushka's face in expressive grisaille, cartoon-like reindeer. Seasonally useful, but not a strong offering.