Varenka

by Bernadette Watts

Overview

A story of friendship and faith.

Varenka lives contently in her cottage in the woods, until passersby warn her that war has broken out. Pack up a bundle and come along with us. But Varenka can’t leave.

Who will care for the children who wander and get lost in the forest? Who will shelter the animals and feed the birds when winter comes?

Soon, Varenka shelters a young artist, an old farmer and his goat, and a lost child. And each night she prays for a wall to be built around her house to protect her from the soldiers who draw nearer with each passing day. Things seem dire until Varenka notices a gentle sound all around the house. Snow. Could it be enough to save them?

This is a Bernadette Watts classic with its timeless message of courage, compassion, and faith.

“A master in choosing a palette.”—Eric Carle

STARRED REVIEW "The resemblance to current-day displacement due to war is hauntingly similar... the Byzantine-like faces are beautifully crafted in soft pastel colors, while Watts’s writing follows traditional folktale cadence.
– School Library Journal

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780735845077
Publisher:	NorthSouth Books
Publication date:	10/25/2022
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Bernadette Watts, known throughout Europe simply as Bernadette, has illustrated many dozens of folk- and fairy tales. Born in England, she loved to draw from childhood. She studied at the Maidstone Art School in Kent, UK, and for some time was taught by Brian Wildsmith and David Hockney. Bernadette’s many beautiful books include The Snow Queen and The Little Drummer Boy. Bernadette finds her inspiration in nature. Today she lives and works in Kent. She has been illustrating for NorthSouth Books and NordSüd Verlag since the beginning of her career fifty years ago.

Editorial Reviews

"a well-presented tribute to both Russian art and storytelling. The illustrations are vivid and create an atmosphere that supports the emotions of the text."

Kiss the Book Blog

"Varenka’s altruistic nature as well as her unbreakable conviction make this a tale of genuine goodness."

Manhattan Book Review

"This is a touching story of the powers of faith, courage, and friendship."

Midwest Book Review

Bernadette discusses how her story, once thought to be based on a Russian legend, actually came to publication originally in 1971:

“Varenka was written shortly after Hans Millerman. It was a long time ago, but I recall it was a time in my life I loved to write, lots of stories, notebooks, diaries, accounts of journeys and holidays. I also loved reading, especially travel books, and I read a lot about Russia and Siberia. I think Varenka came from my reading about the 1917 Russian Revolution, and also my idea how Russian landscape might look. Varenka and Hans Millerman are the two books which people still write to me about.

NorthSouth Books - Interview with Bernadette Watts

★ 06/01/2022

K-Gr 3—In this stunning retelling of a Russian folktale, an old widow lives alone in the forest, where some travelers have just told her that war has broken out. They invite her to go with them, as surely soldiers will be along soon. Varenka declines because she knows that others will be along who may need her comfort, and prays to God for protection: "Please build a wall around my house so that the soldiers will not see me." In the days that follow, the sound of guns can be heard in the distance, while Varenka takes in newcomers, person or animal. As time passes, Varenka continues to be disappointed that there is no wall of protection, but she trusts God, and is pleasantly surprised in just how God shows up and protects her and her visitors; a snowstorm renders her home and its residents invisible to the soldiers who pass by without noticing. The resemblance to current-day displacement due to war is hauntingly similar. All the characters are white; the Byzantine-like faces are beautifully crafted in soft pastel colors, while Watts's writing follows traditional folktale cadence. VERDICT This unfamiliar tale has a simple message for uncertain times, and may be of comfort to have in the folktale section.—Tracy Cronce

School Library Journal