The Story Of Babushka

Catherine Flores

Jul 2020 · ACL Creative Studio · Narrated by Jenny Eriksen

About this audiobook

Babushka wants to find out the meaning of life so she sends her bodies out of the forest and into the world to search for answers.

WHAT IS A BABUSHKA?

The Babushka doll, also known as a matryoshka or Russian nesting doll, is a traditional Russian toy first made over 100 years ago. The doll has come to symbolize Russian folk culture, as well as the complex and beautiful layers of women.

This is the story of one very special doll, with five bodies that form the Babushka. : There was the outermost body, Antonia. She was pure beauty and everyone who saw her raved about her good looks. Beneath that body of beauty hid the second body, Loretta, who was richly adorned. She wore gold ornaments, and her robe was decorated with many different gems that glittered like the ocean on a sunny day. Hidden within the rich body was Paula, the body that held all the talents. Whatever Paula did, she was sure to succeed. She knew how to work and always did so with joy and determination. Under the shell of the talented body was Viola, the body of wisdom. Viola knew a lot about the world and learned very quickly. She was always full of brilliant ideas and had clever solutions for every problem. The last body, the innermost and smallest of all, was Mary, the embodiment of love. Mary had a compassionate heart and was very helpful. She had the special ability to dry tears and mend broken hearts. All these bodies together formed the beautiful Babushka.

Ratings and reviews

Mixed Messages NOTE: This is a review of just the eBook, as I couldn't find that here on Google Play. I think this book gives mixed messages. As I was reading along, as the different bodies of the Babushka doll went to seek out the meaning of life for themselves, I was wondering what the message or messages would ultimately be as they weren't clear what that process was happening. I thought that it might have to do with purpose reflecting your entire, true self—all of you. As the smallest doll inside started finding the other bodies again, who were all very unhappy—that's when the message got muddled. Is the author saying that love, generosity, making money, hard work, and being smart aren't important or are things to be avoided? Perhaps the excess of any is wrong. While none of those might be the ultimate meaning of life, they are important to the survival of the body, mind, and spirit. While I might agree with aspects of the author's ultimate message, I don't think it is necessary to denigrate the other important things in life. I thought the illustrations were well done and added to the story. I believe this is intended for relatively early readers, but the vocabulary is such that it would be better for at least 7-year-olds.