Dillon (Jeb Scarecrow's Pumpkin Patch) crafts an imaginative and touching fable about the origin of matrioshkas, Russian nesting dolls. In "old Moscow," Sasha paints the wooden boxes carved by her grandfather, Boxer. When mice shred Sasha's only rag doll, her grandfather consoles her with a tiny carved doll in a doll-shaped storage box, and he responds to similar snatchings (by rats and a cat) by carving larger, heavier outer dolls. Six layers later, the doll is finally secure—and crowds of young Moscovites are clamoring for their own matrioshkas. The plot is clever and the topic has automatic appeal for doll lovers. What may be most striking, however, are the insight and nuance Dillon brings to the relationship between Boxer and Sasha. Teasing banter reveals their joy in each other's company, while this tender exchange about the word "matrioshka" (literally, "little mother") alludes to the mutual loss that binds them: " 'A little mother,' whispered Boxer with tears in his eyes. 'Like your little mother, my daughter, once was.' " Lattimore (The Winged Cat) approximates a vibrant, bustling, Russian folk-art style. Floral patterns frame her scenes and adorn the objects within; a note explains that Sasha's matrioshkas are modeled on the style of craftsmen from a particular Russian village. A most satisfying tale. Ages 5-8. (May)
