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Boris and
His Balalaika,
written by Esphyr Slobodkina and illustrated by Bobri.
Published in 1964 by Abelard-Schuman.
This is an enchanting tale of a poor boy who is a born
dreamer and who loves to play and sing songs on the one
family treasure, his Father’s balalaika.
Because Boris cannot find an ordinary job, the villagers
call him “useless” and “good-for-nothing.” Boris
does
try to find work. But, alas, when he ploughs, the furrows
are crooked. Even the berries he gathers are too ripe to
sell and the mushrooms in his basket turn out to be
poisonous toadstools.
Finally Boris becomes a cowherd. In his lowly job he is
laughed at but happy… until the Important General sets up
camp nearby and orders Boris to be bound hand and foot and
brought before him, because Boris refuses to bring the
General provisions.
How Boris’ special talents are finally recognized and how
his reward comes about forms the rest of this exciting and
beautifully cadenced story. The background is authentic, the
characters are typically Russian, and the reading is pure
delight.
PURCHASES:
If you are interested in purchasing a
collector's edition of this
book, please contact the Foundation at (516) 674-0776 or
email us at
annmarie@slobodkina.org.
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