Product Description

With children's poetry displayed in Russian and English on the same page, "A Great Time" is an enchanting, poetic foray into a world of imagination in which children are taught timeless truths by bugs, animals, plants, and the sun. These fun-filled, character-building messages spark hope and joy in children, while helping them better understand how precious life is and the importance of friendships, showing courtesy, and sharing with others. The illustrations and poetry richly capture the heart of these simple lessons that are so important to developing in a child a deep sense of appreciation and respect for nature and for each other. Storytelling, circus, theater, and poetry were important cultural pillars of the Russian society into which Masha Shurin was born. Having lived and worked under repressive Soviet control for decades, she knows how influential these media can be in helping people to believe in, and hope for, a better world. "A Great Time" is the first of a four-book series by Shurin created to assist Russian-American parents with helping their children learn about the culture of the Russian motherland. It will be especially useful for non-Russian Americans in exposing young ones to a multicultural experience that has such a rich and imaginative tradition in story-telling.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1569363 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

About the Author
The author, Masha Shurin was born in Belarus, a republic of Russia, May 13, 1949. She graduated from Minsk Institute of Technology in 1975, but did not get her diploma because she was poised to immigrate to the US and was labeled as an enemy of the people. Masha worked in Russian circus from 1971 to 1980. She immigrated to America in 1980, and makes her home in San Francisco, California. The illustrator, Valentin Ginukov, artist and journalist, was borne November 1, 1929, in Russia. He graduated from the Russian Institute in 1961. Valentin worked for numerous Russian magazines, newspapers, and publishing houses. His cartoons, posters, and illustrations have appeared in international exhibits. He immigrated to America in 1993, and makes his home in San Francisco, California.

Customer Reviews

A Great Time is a bilingual compendium of children's poems
A Great Time is a bilingual compendium of children's poems in both English and Russian, by Russian-born author Masha Shurin. Playful color illustrations highlight the enthusiastic verse sprinkled with positive, character-building messages. A read-aloud treat for young people ages 2-8. "The Snail's House": The snail's house has no doors / So her friends can't come in. All day long she dreams and thinks, / Of how to visit them. // She can't invite the other bugs / To tea or for a snack, / Because her little doorless house, / She carries on her back!

not my favorite art
I really like the idea of having a bi-lingual book, its great. Since they are poems, I wonder if the translated version makes any sense...translations have a tendency to do that.

I'm not crazy about the art work, it's so busy, but taste is very personal.

The quality of the book is great.

This just isn't a favorite.