Louise McClenathan

"My Mother Sends Her Wisdom" tells the story of a young Russian girl named Katya and her widowed mother, Petrovna. Due to her deceased husband's debts, she must pay Boris, the moneylender, every month. Because they do not have money to pay, Petrovna pays the moneylender with goods that he can later sell at the market. If she misses a payment, she will lose her farm to Boris. In an effort to save her home, Petrovna utilizes her wisdom to outwit Boris. While she is worried about their situation, Katya, trusts her mother.

When I first read this book, I was amazed at how touching a picture book could be. The book also gives readers a peek into "old Russia" with its abstract illustrations. "My Mother Sends Her Wisdom" features natural storytelling that the well planned plot and the intelligent Petrovna create a story that will keep the interest of adults and children alike.

Younger children could ask the students to draw their favorite scene from the book. Each student will then come before the class and explain their picture. As a class, older students could analyze the quotes from the book and discuss their meanings and give their own interpretations. The students could then research a famous quote and write a short essay to be turned in.… (more)