BABOUSHKA And The Three Kings

The Friendly Beasts (1957) won wide recognition for Sidjakov (Fifty Best Books and Ten Best Illustrated Children's Books ratings among others). Now again he has used his talents for a folk tale of Old Russia, particularly appropriate at the Christmas season. And again his individual technique suggests mediaeval stained glass in the stylized figures and the glowing colors. The folk tale is retold by Ruth Robbins in rhythmic prose, appropriate to the story of the old woman who was too busy finishing her day's work to join the three wise men, and who has spent the years since then in endless search for the Christ Child. In Old Russia children eagerly awaited her visits and the gifts she would leave at Christmas time, as children in many parts of the world watch for Santa Claus. Included with the text is the story in verse set to music composed for this book. Sidjakov has a bit more scope this time in a somewhat larger book than The Friendly Beasts.