Andrei's Search
The logic of this dreamlike picture story is likely to escape many adults, but it will make sense to young children who engage in imaginary play. Inspired by the work of Russian linguist Korney Chukovsky, Barbro Lindren has written about a small boy named Andrei who lives in an orphanage. He remembers an idyllic early life with his Mama, when they lived next to a store where everything was free. His best friend Vova remembers his own mother as a dog who left him on the steps of the orphanage because she didn't want a human child. As the two boys go out in search of Andrei's mother, their memories and wishes become just a little sharper as their shared imaginary play is enriched by real-world occurrences. It's never clear where the line is between fantasy and reality, or whether the boys are truly orphans. But the ending, when they find the perfect home, the perfect Mama, and even a perfect neighborhood baker who plays along with the "free store" idea, will certainly satisfy young children who are serious about their play. ©2000 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Translated by Elisabeth Kallick Dyssegaard. Translated from the Swedish
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 4-7
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Imagination/Imaginary Play
Mothers
Orphans
Russians and Russian Americans
Publisher:
R & S
Publish Year: 2000
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9129647568
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Lindgren