Product Description

In this original fairy tale, orphans Olya and her little brother Sacha have nothing left in the world except each other, their cat Basil, and a sewing machine left to them by their mother. Before she died, their mother warned the children never to part with the sewing machine, as it will help them when all else fails. The children are sent to a cold, dark orphanage run by the miserly Miss Schnaap, who stuffs her mattress with money while Olya sews, Sacha makes baskets, and Basil chases mice in the cellar. The children long to escape, until one icy night a strange occurrence in the attic changes everything, revealing at last the wonderful secret of the magic sewing machine.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2310368 in Books
• Published on: 1997-09-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 2. Olya and Sacha's dying mother entrusts them with her sewing machine promising, "It will help you when all else fails." Left alone to care for themselves, the children are beleaguered by the harsh landlord. Then stern Miss Schnaap comes and takes them to the orphanage, which is straight out of Dickens?child labor, punishment, and little food. One night, Olya discovers an inscription on the sewing machine promising to grant wishes. Sure enough, it pops out new boots and warm clothes for all of the orphans. They then wish for a big balloon to escape, but it's Miss Schnaap who falls into its basket and floats away. The children rejoice, find loads of gold under the villain's mattress, and turn the orphanage into the Academy for Circus Arts. The final page shows Miss Schnaap happily situated on a tropical island. The illustrations are stylized, the characters cartoonlike, thus keeping the tone light in spite of the heavy theme. Dark, gloomy colors predominate while the action is set in the orphanage; they become increasingly brighter after Miss Schnaap takes flight. Although there is a distinctive Russian look, a specific geographic setting is not mentioned. Readers will revel in the victory of honest kids over oppressive adults. Despite the initial dark overtones, this book works well, always remaining upbeat, for youngsters will realize from the beginning that somehow these children are going to come out on top.?Christy Norris, Valley Cottage Library, NY
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Two orphans, brother and sister, triumph over their miserable lot in life with the help of a magic sewing machine. Before she died, Olya and Sacha's mother implored them to keep the sewing machine; now they pay the rent on their cottage by sewing and gathering wood for their greedy landlord. Miss Schnaap from the orphanage arrives and hauls them off, forcing them to work constantly in the cold and dark with the other unhappy charges. An idle wish Olya makes comes true, revealing the machine's power to grant wishes. The children wish for escape, and their ogre of a headmistress is carried off in a hot-air balloon while they run the institution on their own, warm and well fed. The dastardly adults and resourceful heroes combine for dramatic storytelling; even Miss Schnaap gets a happy ending. Warner employs folk-art motifs in an original style that shows stylized children and adults; the pictures are effectively composed to convey somber moods, humorous moments, and scenes of lasting harmony. A story-hour special. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review
"Just enough evil to create pleasurable shivers and a highly satisfactory conclusion for all." -- Review

Customer Reviews

The story is fun and imaginative and the illustrations great
A fun story with wonderful illustrations and a surprising ending. An imaginative fantasy that affirms children's creative powers. The illustrations are the bearing element and the design of each page is a delight.