Nanushka: A Russian Children's Story

PreS-Gr 3—Ina Allen and Barbara Kemp's goal to bring about a union of music and storytelling, with each enhancing the other, led to their writing this story and performing the music. Chris Potts expressively tells the tale which is interspersed with excerpts from famous classical pieces of music. Orphaned Nanushka has come to live with Great-tetka (aunt) Olga, a formidable woman who expects Nanushka to spend all of her time doing chores. One morning, when Great-tetka Olga is away shopping, Nanushka eschews her chores to spend time playing with her imaginary companions. Great-tetka Olga is quite upset when she returns to find the child shirking her duties, and orders her back into the house to wash dishes and scrub floors. That evening, Nanushka hears a cat mewing outside, and brings it in. She feeds it, and the cat joins her in bed at bedtime. The next day, two children appear at the door asking after their missing cat. Nanushka is overjoyed to make friends with the children who have recently moved into the area. And Great-tetka Olga may be just as happy that Nanushka has companions her own age. Allen and Kemp flawlessly perform the eight classical pieces which enhance the story, including "Russian Theme" (Rachmaninoff), "Laideronnette, Imperatrice des Pagodes" (Ravel), "La Troupe" (Bizet), "Les Bulles de Savon" (Bizet) "The Devil's Kitchen" (Bacon), "Mi-a-ou" (Faure), "Le Jardin Feerique" (Ravel), and "Allegro Molto" (Beethoven). A great introduction to classical music and Russian culture.–Beverly Wrigglesworth, San Antonio Public Library, TX