A CCBC Our Choice bookThe letter was signed by Czar Nicholas, himself. He was asking her to perform once more for his ailing son. Though her days on the stage were behind her, Anna Pavlova had no choi
A CCBC Our Choice book
The letter was signed by Czar Nicholas, himself. He was asking her to perform once more for his ailing son. Though her days on the stage were behind her, Anna Pavlova had no choice. She would have to dance for Prince Alexis. Or would she? Perhaps, for the greatest dancer in all of Russia, the answer lay in the old gypsy woman's carved, wooden heart.
Anna Pavlova was once the greatest ballerina in all of Russia. Now, she spends her days dancing alone.
So, when Czar Nicholas pleads with her to perform for his ailing son, she must put aside her fear of reappearing in public. She must hope there is enough skill left in her dance to encourage the boy to live. As Anna hastens to her sleigh, an old gypsy woman presses a carved wooden heart into her hand. "Look into your own face tonight and choose how to give your gift." she says.
With the strange words still ringing in her ears, Anna rides into the wintry night where a mysterious encounter is about to take place.
Maxine Trottier and Victoria Bersichevsky bring a perfect blend of history and fantasy to life.
Set on the eve of the Russian Revolution, Pavlova's Gift is a
poignant tale of generosity and promise.
"A fine melding of story and pictures."
—
Best Canadian Picture Books, Emergency Librarian"The story and the pictures are such a moving portrayal of the goodness of giving that they will be a far greater inspiration to your grandchildren than any lecture could ever be."
— Margot Griffin, Ask The Book Lady
View Review text
Maxine Trottier:
A prolific writer and educator, Maxine Trottier makes history come alive in picture books and novels for young readers. Her award-winning titles include Claire's Gift, The Paint Box, and Prairie Willow. Maxine's books have earned the Canadian Library Association's Book of the Year, the Mr. Christie's Book Award and twice the Ontario Woman Teacher's Federation Writing Award. Born in Michigan, Maxine is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S. and makes her home in Port Stanley, Ontario.
View Biographical note