Rechenka's Eggs

One of our favorite Easter and spring books. Beautiful illustrations and captivating little story.

Hey. do you like eggs for breakfast? Do you know what you can do with them instead of throwing them away? Well, then you NEED to read this book. It isabout a woman named Babushka. Each day Babushka would take an egg from her basket and paint it. Will Babushka win the egg contest? Will the bird she rescued stop her from winning the contest? Find out by reading this book. Zaira

This is a terrific book for reading aloud to one child or many. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is lovely. An old lady lives in the Russian countryside and works all year to enter her painted eggs in the easter contest in Moscow. One day she saves an injured goose. When an accident destroys the woman's painted eggs, the goose lays a beautifully decorated egg each morning until it's time for her to fly away once more -- but not before leaving one more miraculous gift.This is a lovely story that will excite children's imagination, and the beautiful illustrations will charm young and old alike.

I love Patricia Polacco's books and this one is no exception! This story is great to use both in and out of the classroom. It is great for reading outloud to children or for them to read to you. I have used it in my lesson plans as a teacher to introduce lessons on different ways people celebrate holidays around the world and in the US. I have students grades K-5 and it has been a favorite with all of them...then again all of Patricia Polacco's books seem to be favorites with any child!

Set in Russia, this book tells the story of Babushka, a old grandma who is painting Easter eggs for the big contest in Moscow. She works all winter on her eggs, and also feeds the wild animals that live around her. One day, some hunters shoot a goose; she takes it in and nurses it back to health. She names the goose Rechenka. Quite by accident, Rechenka ruins all of Babuska's beautiful eggs, but she gives the woman magically painted goose eggs in their place. Babushka goes to the contest and wins first prize with Rechenka's fabulous eggs, and when she comes home, she discovers one more very special gift from Rechenka.Told very simply with large, colorful illustrations, this story is enjoyed by 6-9 year olds. It stresses kindness and gratitude, as well as showing a little about Russian customs. The ending is quite poignant and heartwarming. It's a beautiful book!

This delightful story touched my heart and made me smile . . . It is truly a tale of unfailing loyalty between an unlikely pair: Babushka, an elderly woman and a wounded goose she befriends. The kindness that both show for each other is an important lesson told in the simplicity of Ms. Polacco's writing. A sweet, sweet story that children and adults will both love.