Children’s Book - The Magic Nesting Doll, by Jacqueline K. Ogburn, illus. Laurel Long

Rachel found this book at the library, and I fell in love with it the minute we started reading.

Barnes and Noble had an anonymous reviewer that summed this book up wonderfully. I wish I knew who posted it, but I will just put up the link if you would like to read it.

The art is magnificent - it marries the thematic elements of the story with the traditional Russian folklore seamlessly. As the reviewer pointed out, the illustrations are done in almost an Art Deco style, with influences that are reminiscent of the Middle Ages, luminescent like stained glass windows.

The story is psychologically fulfilling and rich. There is the figure who brings life, the innocent in need of rescue, the idea of coming closer to one’s true/inner self… it’s a beautiful story that references many of the Russian tales you may be familiar with from ballet: the Firebird, the bear, the fox, a wintry ruler, etc.
For small children, the book is just a visual and verbal delight. For older children and adults, this will be a treasure. I can’t wait to add it to our collection.

(As a side note, Laurel Long also illustrated a Julie Andrews Collection book, titled “The Legend of Holly Claus,” that, although not a picture book, is one of my favorite children’s books of all time. I have rarely found a book as fresh and honest. Absolutely worth the read. I gave it away last Christmas and have missed it ever since. Another book to add to my collection!)

As for other favorite things today, I am teaching two beginning students piano lessons, and after many months of searching, found a wonderful website I would recommend to any elementary music teacher.

The New York Philharmonic’s Kidzone passes my child-friendly website test with flying colors. It has an easy-to-navigate menu, is completely clean of anything offensive, is very colorful and intuitive, and keeps things simple and fun. I especially loved the Composer’s Corner. I’ve sent my students off this week with an assignment to listen to the clips from the “Classical” section. They’ll pick their favorite and do a quick narration to me next week on that composer’s life, and then I will play the clips for them and see if they can guess which composer the piece belongs to. I love playing games with my students!