Multicultural/International Literature

Babushka's Doll
Written and Illustrated By: Patricia Polacco

Summary

This book is about a little girl, Natasha, and her Babushka (Grandmother.) Natasha is a very impatient little girl, never willing to wait for anything. Her grandmother tells her to wait to play with a special doll, but Natasha can't be patient. When she pulls the doll off of the shelf it comes to life. The doll demands that she keep playing until Natasha no longer wants to play. When Natasha goes and puts the doll back on the shelf and her Babushka finally gives her permission to play with the doll, Natasha no longer wants that permission and has learned her lesson of patience.

Application

I would use this book in my clasroom when teaching about patience. The students could listen to this book toward the beginning of the year when they are learning about asking permission, patience, and the rules of the classroom.

I would also use this book when doing a lesson about Russia. It makes use of a few Russian customs such as Russian dolls and teaches students about Russia, especially through the pictures.