Children's Christmas Book About the Russian Snow Maiden Opens Eyes and Hearts, Getting Great Reviews

New this year, a cross-cultural story of a child's self-discovery introduces Russian culture and a unique, 'delightfully folksy' painting style in a Christmas book.

Boulder, CO (PRWEB) October 7, 2005 -- Cross-cultural Christmas books like How the Russian Snow Maiden Helped Santa Claus (ISBN No.0972502742, Vernissage Press, $16.95) by Gail Buyske, illustrated by Natasha Veronina, are increasingly popular with parents beginning to broaden the world-view of their kids, even at grades K to 3. These books are particularly popular with parents of adopted children, who wish to instill a knowledge and love for their child's cultural heritage.

In this magical tale, Santa Claus needs help one Christmas and asks his friend Father Frost, the Santa for Russian children, if the Snow Maiden can come to the North Pole while Mrs. Claus is away with a sick sister. The Snow Maiden (Sne-GUR-och-ka in Russian, and a giggle to say) makes the journey and in a heart-warming twist of the story, becomes a great help to Santa. Along with the introduction to these Russian folk characters, readers learn a few folk traditions and even a few words in Russian. A simple pronunciation guide helps readers say the words with ease.

This is a first book for both author and illustrator. Gail Buyske has collected Russian folk art since her first trip to Russia in 1975. Natasha Voronina paints matryoshka dolls for a living and lives in Sergiev Posad, Russia, where they were first introduced over a century ago.

Praise for How the Russian Snow Maiden Helped Santa Claus:

Elizabeth Breau, ForeWord Magazine
"...this story introduces Russian customs and vocabulary. The illustrations mimic the wood-burning technique used to decorate matryoshka dolls and create an authentic look for this appealing, old-fashioned story that any child will love."

Publishers Weekly
"Readers will enjoy Veronina's nifty wood-burning-technique paintings."

School Library Journal
"...the illustrations, rendered in a wood-burned/painted technique, have a delightfully folksy Russian style."

Amazon.com buyer review
"This is a sweet adventure story with magical illustrations and a "Christmassy" feel to it. It's about sharing and helping a friend in need. It's in a class with "Polar Express."

How the Russian Snow Maiden Helped Santa Claus
By Gail Buyske, illustrated by Natasha Veronina
ISBN No.0972502742, Hardcover, Vernissage Press, $16.95
Trade: Baker & Taylor; TolsToys, Inc.
Retail: Barnes & Noble; Amazon.com; better booksellers

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