School Library Journal 1/1/2008

K-Gr 2-One snowy morning in Chicago, Rosy is reluctant to leave her warm bed. Her mother coaxes her to the kitchen by telling her a story about her own childhood in Belarus, where the winters were much longer and colder. Mama describes how her mother made spring come by concocting special blintzes for breakfast one day. At the end, Rosy and Mama settle down to make blintzes too, hoping, perhaps, that they will chase winter away as grandmother once did in Minsk. Illustrated with busy, colorful folklike illustrations resembling traditional Slavonic art, the book concludes with a recipe for blintzes. Although not a necessary purchase, children will appreciate this winning look at a different culture.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Booklist 1/1/2008

Rosie doesn't want to get out of bed because she's sick of winter and wants spring. Her mother, Mrs. Levine, agrees, I'll tell you how your Grandma Beatrice brought spring to Minsk! And so begins the story of winters in Minsk, so severe the snowdrifts would touch the sky. But Grandma has a twinkle in her eye as she makes a batter, cooks perfect circles in a pan and slids them right on the blue tablecloth, looking like sunflowers against the sky. Add creamy filling, fold into bundles and top with cherry jam. Grandpa, Grandma, and Rosie's mother feel so warm they shrug off their shawls, their sweaters, and socks. The delicious blintzes Grandma makes bring spring to Minsk. This is more mood piece than story, but the happiness that radiates from it is matched by the delightful watercolor illustrations, where winter blues turn to sunshine hues. Infused with Russian touches, swirls of snow, and smells, and portraying the warmth of a close-knit family, this is lovely to page through. A blintz recipe is included.--Cummins, Julie Copyright 2008 Booklist

Personal Review:

Cute and colorful, but the story line is somewhat disjointed at times. I lost track of whether they were living in the city, were back in Russia, or camping out in the forest. The traditional dishes being passed down from one generation to the next is admirable, but the child Rosy is too modern, then old-fashioned, and her mother comes across as old-country altogether. ( )