Uncle Vova'a Tree

by Patricia Polacco
(softcover)

From the publisher: Christmastime is special at Uncle Vova’s house. Laughing and singing, he dances, takes the children on a sleigh ride, and gathers them to trim the tree that he and Svetlana planted when they first came to America. But when Vova is gone, to the surprise of everyone, the miracle of his tree—and the memories— only grow.

The Story
From Publishers Weekly

For the children in an extended family of Russian immigrants, Christmas at Uncle Vova's provides a literal and visual feast. There is the savory porridge, kutya (each aunt's recipe is different); there are paper ornaments, a sleigh ride and, not least, Vova's loving decoration of an evergreen for the animals outside. The year after Vova's death, the family's sorrow is tempered by the miraculous sight of the animals decorating Vova's tree. Polacco uses splashes of vibrant watercolor with delicately pencilled faces--an unusual and striking technique that manages both to exude the gaiety of the celebrations in the here-and-now and to suggest the centuries on which the customs rest. She highlights intriguing details of Russian holiday lore and also pays tribute to the importance of honoring one's heritage by preserving tradition.

Ages 4-8.