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ejpreads's review against another edition
4.0
Lovely lovely lovely.
A dear story of a boy and girl and their desire to bless that housekeeper/nanny - an immigrant from Poland. It has been over 20 years since she had to leave home and she shares with the children about the nook in her families one-room home that housed the Madonna and child. The children make unexpected trips and friendships as they make seek to make one for their kitchen so that dear Marta feels more at home.
Can't wait to find more books by this author.
A dear story of a boy and girl and their desire to bless that housekeeper/nanny - an immigrant from Poland. It has been over 20 years since she had to leave home and she shares with the children about the nook in her families one-room home that housed the Madonna and child. The children make unexpected trips and friendships as they make seek to make one for their kitchen so that dear Marta feels more at home.
Can't wait to find more books by this author.
rachael_amber's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5 stars. A lovely little story with beautiful illustrations by Carol Barker.
felinity's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
I never would have picked this up if I hadn't been browsing the children's section of the library and spotted Rumer Godden's name. It's not a flashy story, nor an exciting adventure, but an old-fashioned one which slowly unveils a change in two children.
I was so glad there was a picture of the finished Kitchen Madonna - it was placed just as I started to wish for it!
I never would have picked this up if I hadn't been browsing the children's section of the library and spotted Rumer Godden's name. It's not a flashy story, nor an exciting adventure, but an old-fashioned one which slowly unveils a change in two children.
I was so glad there was a picture of the finished Kitchen Madonna - it was placed just as I started to wish for it!
blbstorey's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book I read MANY years ago, and only in a Reader's Digest Condensed Books edition (blasphemy!). I would love to find it again, and read the whole thing. I remember loving it very much, and I've always loved Rumer Godden's writing, especially her doll series of books.
tcbueti's review against another edition
4.0
A little classic about a curmudgeon of a boy opening up for the sake of his Ukrainian housekeeper. Marta (who has brought order and warmth to their dual-working-parents' London home) misses the small shrine she had at home in her kitchen in Ukraine. Gregory and his little sister research then and sneak around finding, buying and begging materials to make her a "kitchen Madonna." All of this is way outside of Gregory's comfort zone, and by the end he has discovered new interests and abilities, and the rewards of doing something kind for someone else. This would be a lovely way to broach the subject of selflessness/generosity with your kids.
kendranicole28's review against another edition
3.5
Introverted nine-year-old Gregory and his precocious younger sister have not had much consistency in their lives. Nannies and housekeepers have come and gone, and their parents are too busy with their careers to pay them much attention. So Marta, with her steady ways and comforting Ukranian accent, provides welcome stability to their home. But when they realize Marta is unhappy and homesick for the icon that made her Ukranian kitchen feel like home, Gregory grows determined to provide her with a “good place” in their own London kitchen. Unfortunately such an icon is difficult to come by, and after scouting out numerous options, Gregory realizes it is up to him to create an icon for Marta. Thus begins a crafting mission that is as much adventure as creative outlet—an adventure that leads him to form new friendships, break out of his shell, and find new purpose and meaning for himself and his family.
This book was a really slow start and we had a hard time getting into the story. It picks up towards the end, and there are wonderful lessons about sacrifice, persistence, and ingenuity. The portrayal of Marta is a little dated (the was written in 1956, and this non-English speaking character from a very different background would be less of a prototype in a contemporary novel). But I enjoyed seeing Gregory’s character development, and the art aspects brought some interesting cultural discussions to our read-aloud experience.
This was not my favorite read-aloud of the year, but Charleston loved it and I did appreciate that it was something a little different from a lot of the books we have read this year.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars (Rounded down to 3 stars on Goodreads) // Charleston’s Rating: 5 Stars // Book Format: Print
This book was a really slow start and we had a hard time getting into the story. It picks up towards the end, and there are wonderful lessons about sacrifice, persistence, and ingenuity. The portrayal of Marta is a little dated (the was written in 1956, and this non-English speaking character from a very different background would be less of a prototype in a contemporary novel). But I enjoyed seeing Gregory’s character development, and the art aspects brought some interesting cultural discussions to our read-aloud experience.
This was not my favorite read-aloud of the year, but Charleston loved it and I did appreciate that it was something a little different from a lot of the books we have read this year.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars (Rounded down to 3 stars on Goodreads) // Charleston’s Rating: 5 Stars // Book Format: Print
mainebookworm22's review against another edition
5.0
Before I joined Bookstagram, I had never heard of Rumer Godden. She gets a lot of love on there and I decided to check her out. I loved this sweet story of 2 children trying to make their maid feel less lonely by making her a picture of the Madonna and baby Jesus to remind her of her home in the Ukraine. Beautifully written, not going to lie, I had tears in my eyes by the ending. Definitely recommend this author.
mimima's review against another edition
5.0
Not too long after I became Orthodox, my mom handed me this book and said, "you will love it." She was right. I've been looking for a copy to own, and one finally came my way. I re-read it and loved it just a much, if not more, the second time. A definite keeper.
fictionadventurer's review against another edition
5.0
The sheer beauty of this book made me cry. Instant favorite.
dragonflylee's review against another edition
4.0
A cute story about a boy who does a good turn for another. Quick read