When Mittens Go Missing: Jan Brett’s “The Mitten”
Beautifully illustrated, Jan Brett's The Mitten is a retelling of a traditional Ukrainian folk tale, perfect for 4-8 year-old children. In the story, Nicki's grandmother knits him a pair of cozy white mittens, but he quickly looses one in the forest. Soon, all the creatures in the forest decide to seek shelter in Nicki's missing mitten. A rabbit, hedgehog, owl, badger, fox, bear and mouse squeeze in, hoping to find a cozy escape from the wintery weather. How many cold forest creatures can one small mitten house?
While reading, be sure to take time to examine the intricately rendered borders in which the author hints at what is to come in the story. With mitten-shaped vignettes and thoughtful artistic details showcasing Brett's careful research of costumes, furniture, and homes, this tale is not only entertaining, but also draws the reader into another historical time and place. Pick up The Mitten at your local library or bookstore to find out what sends this overstuffed mitten over the edge and to find out if Nicki ever gets his lost mitten back!
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