The Mitten - 9" by 11"

More about the book

A Ukrainian boy named Nicki asks his grandmother Baba to knit him snow-white mittens. She cautions him that losing one in the snow will make it difficult to find, but he loses it anyway. What follows is unexpected: a mole takes refuge in the mitten, followed by a rabbit, a hedgehog, an owl, a badger, and a fox. As the mitten becomes increasingly crowded, a bear sniffs it out and squeezes in, despite the tight fit. When a tiny mouse joins, her whiskers tickle the bear's nose, causing him to sneeze and send all the animals flying out of their cozy hideaway. Nicki, spotting the mitten in mid-air, reclaims it and brings it home to show Baba. The illustrator, Jan Brett, is known for her detailed artwork in folktales and fairy tales, featuring intricate borders and mitten-shaped vignettes that enhance the story. Her illustrations of animals are particularly charming, capturing their expressions beautifully. Brett's attention to detail extends to the authentic costumes and settings in this traditional Ukrainian tale. This enchanting story is perfect for a frosty night with hot chocolate, and readers can also explore its delightful companion book, which won the 1998 Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. (Ages 4 to 8)