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Rating: Summary: Proud to be an American Review: ANNUSHKA'S VOYAGE A Children's Picture Book, Ages 4 - 8 Written by Edith Tarbescu Illustrated by Lydia Dabcovich Clarion Books, 1998 ISBN No. 0-395-64366-X, 32 Pages, $15.00Anya (Annushka) and her little sister Tanya live with their grandparents in Russia. Each day, they work with their grandparents on the farm and await news from their father in America. <i>Papa's letter was filled with funny pictures. There were drawingsof the doll factory where he worked and of the pigeons on his roof. He wrote, "People say the streets here are paved with gold. I am saving money to buy steamship tickes for Anya and Tanya." That's when Tanya started crying. "First Mama died and went to heaven. Then Papa left for America." I put my arms around her and wiped away her tears. "He'll send for us soon, you'll see." Early each morning, even before it was light, we worked around the farm. In the afternoons we helped Grandma make puddings and potato pancakes. Before bed we had Hebrew lessons with Grandpa. And we waited. After more than a year, two steamship tickets came in the mail with a letter from Papa telling us he'd meet us in New York.</i> Anya and Tanya soon travel from the old country in Russia toward the promise of a new life in America. Although they must leave their Grandparents and the life they know behind, they carry with them the clothes on their back, a pair of candlesticks---family heirlooms, a book of Russian fairy tales and a ragdoll. Custom and tradition are woven through this wonderful tale of two young Jewish emigrants who go off to America alone, first crossing Europe on a train to Holland and then sailing toward "the land of opportunity" in a gigantic steamship. Through Annushka, her hopes and fears, this heartwarming story offers amazing insight into emigrant passage to America. <i>"As soon as we got off the train, we were sent to a big building to be examined by doctors. There were so many people speaking so many different languages." "We kept going down, down, down, until we reached the basement of the ship. It was dark and scary, especially with the engines running."</i> In ANNUSHKA'S VOYAGE, author Edie Tarbescu effectively relates to children the important story of American Immigration in the late 1800s. Mixed with both adventure and history, Annushka's story is a delightful read. Lydia Dabcovich's expressive illustrations and the author's historical note make this story come alive. Although this book stands on its own, I must point out that it is an essential read for anyone (adults and children, alike) who is fortunate enough to learn about or visit the Statue of Liberty and/or pass through the Ellis Island gates. Writers Moon reViews (WritersMoon@aol.com) P.O. Box 182, Nesconset, NY 11767-0182 Copyright (c) 2000 Lynne Remick (LynnRemick@aol.com) Reprinted with permission from Lynne Remick =============================================
Rating: Summary: Applause for Annushka! Review: ANNUSHKA'S VOYAGE A Children's Picture Book, Ages 4 - 8 Written by Edith Tarbescu Illustrated by Lydia Dabcovich Clarion Books, 1998 ISBN No. 0-395-64366-X, 32 Pages, $15.00 Anya (Annushka) and her little sister Tanya live with their grandparents in Russia. Each day, they work with their grandparents on the farm and await news from their father in America. Papa's letter was filled with funny pictures. There were drawingsof the doll factory where he worked and of the pigeons on his roof. He wrote, "People say the streets here are paved with gold. I am saving money to buy steamship tickes for Anya and Tanya." That's when Tanya started crying. "First Mama died and went to heaven. Then Papa left for America." I put my arms around her and wiped away her tears. "He'll send for us soon, you'll see." Early each morning, even before it was light, we worked around the farm. In the afternoons we helped Grandma make puddings and potato pancakes. Before bed we had Hebrew lessons with Grandpa. And we waited. After more than a year, two steamship tickets came in the mail with a letter from Papa telling us he'd meet us in New York. Anya and Tanya soon travel from the old country in Russia toward the promise of a new life in America. Although they must leave their Grandparents and the life they know behind, they carry with them the clothes on their back, a pair of candlesticks---family heirlooms, a book of Russian fairy tales and a ragdoll. Custom and tradition are woven through this wonderful tale of two young Jewish emigrants who go off to America alone, first crossing Europe on a train to Holland and then sailing toward "the land of opportunity" in a gigantic steamship. Through Annushka, her hopes and fears, this heartwarming story offers amazing insight into emigrant passage to America. "As soon as we got off the train, we were sent to a big building to be examined by doctors. There were so many people speaking so many different languages." "We kept going down, down, down, until we reached the basement of the ship. It was dark and scary, especially with the engines running." In ANNUSHKA'S VOYAGE, author Edie Tarbescu effectively relates to children the important story of American Immigration in the late 1800s. Mixed with both adventure and history, Annushka's story is a delightful read. Lydia Dabcovich's expressive illustrations and the author's historical note make this story come alive. Although this book stands on its own, I must point out that it is an essential read for anyone (adults and children, alike) who is fortunate enough to learn about or visit the Statue of Liberty and/or pass through the Ellis Island gates. Writers Moon reViews (WritersMoon@aol.com) P.O. Box 182, Nesconset, NY 11767-0182 Copyright (c) 2000 Lynne Remick (LynnRemick@aol.com) Reprinted with permission from Lynne Remick =============================================
Rating: Summary: A young woman of character Review: I've enjoyed reading this warm story many times to students. It reflects family values of love, trust, faith (including religious faith) and it also shows girls a role model of sensitivity, caring, and true female strength. In these days of Barbie dolls and warrior princeses, girls need this experience with a young woman who has realistic strength and love.
Rating: Summary: Proud to be an American Review: Patriotism, a love for the new land, the thrill of seeing The Statue of Liberty for the first time, etc. are all stirred in this warm tale. I thought of my own Irish ancestors who came here about 50 years before the author's mother and aunt came. Her family is Jewish. Mine is Christian. We are all Americans. I highly recommend using this book in classrooms followed by singing songs such as "I'm Proud to be an American." In spite of our problems, at least we know we are free. Let's help children appreciate that freedom and understand the need for responsible behavior.
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