Baboushka and the Three Kings facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Baboushka and The Three Kings

Cover with Caldecott Medal seal
Author	Ruth Robbins
Illustrator	Nicolas Sidjakov
Cover artist	Nicolas Sidjakov
Country	United States
Genre	Children's picture book
Publisher	Parnassus Press
Publication date	1960
Pages	28 pp., color illus.
OCLC	169200
Dewey Decimal	398.2/1/0947 E
LC Class	PZ8.1.R5 Bab

Baboushka and The Three Kings is a special children's picture book. It was written by Ruth Robbins and illustrated by Nicolas Sidjakov. Parnassus Press published it in 1960. This book is famous because Nicolas Sidjakov won the important Caldecott Medal for his amazing illustrations. This award is given each year to the artist of the most outstanding American picture book for children.

What is Baboushka and The Three Kings About?

This book shares a classic Russian folktale. It tells the story of an old woman named Baboushka. She is on a never-ending journey to find the Christ child. The story is often shared around Christmas time.

The Story's Special Style

The book is only 28 pages long. It features unique illustrations by Nicolas Sidjakov. One expert, Norma R. Fryatt, said the book uses "primitive colors" and "stylized figures." This means the art looks simple but very striking. The book also has a special type of writing called an "unusual typeface." All these elements combine to make the book's look very experimental and successful.

A Song Inside the Book

Inside the book, you will find a song titled "Baboushka." The words for the song were written by Edith M. Thomas. The music for the song was created by Mary Clement Sanks.

Who Published the Book?

The book was published by Parnassus Press. This was a small press located in Berkeley, California. Ruth Robbins, the author of the book, started Parnassus Press in 1957 with her husband, Herman Schein. Nicolas Sidjakov illustrated some of their very first books. Over several years, Parnassus Press published at least three picture books that Ruth Robbins wrote and Nicolas Sidjakov illustrated.

The Caldecott Medal

The Caldecott Medal is one of the most important awards for children's books in the United States. It is given each year to the artist who illustrates the "most distinguished American picture book for children." Nicolas Sidjakov won this award in 1961 for his work on Baboushka and The Three Kings. Winning the Caldecott Medal means the book's illustrations are considered truly excellent and groundbreaking.