The Mitten (20th Anniversary Edition)

This kind of accumulating story is always entertaining, especially when such large animals squeeze into a very small space ... and somehow there is room for them! But the classic Jan Brett illustrations of this book make an entertaining story so much better. First published in 1989, this book was considered a treasure then; now, a generation later, it comes back to us in a slightly oversized volume, but with the same beautiful animal drawings and the addition of a personal note from the author. It is a treasure, and one of those books that should be shared with every child, especially if grandmother can do the reading!

Painted with nearly dry watercolors, animal characters are sensitively textured and almost looking like woodcuts, but softer, and more expressive. They are set against the billowing blue-toned snow, and  whole scenes are framed by birch bark panels highlighted here and there with  rich colors of embroidered flowers. Details denoting Ukrainian tradition, such as embroidered clothing, painted dishware, fireplace decoration, thatched cottage roof with a stork's nest near the chimney, pitchers on the posts outside, all give a beautifully honest tone to the tale.