The Mitten

Jan Brett (1989), 32 pages

Audience: pre-K

Format: picture book

Cozy up with Brett’s adaption of a traditional Ukrainian folktale this winter. An endearing tale of a Grandmother who cautiously knits a pair of white mittens at her grandson’s request. Fearing that he may lose the snow-white mittens outdoors, Baba goes ahead and knits a pair for Nicki (her grandson). And the very next day, Nicki does lose one – but who finds it? A pack of forest animals seeking refuse from the cold winter wind and snow. As more animals climb inside the warm woolen mitten to avoid the cold “the mitten swelled and stretched. It was pulled and bulged to many times its size. But Baba’s good knitting held fast” that is, until the last animal makes her way inside!

Although this book is published both as a board book and a picture book, I prefer the traditional picture book form for this story … I find the illustrations translate so much better in the larger format since the main narrative is illustrated along with inset side panels. Brett’s decorative touches are beautiful especially the embroidery motifs, which flank the bordered pages (in my opinion these touches further echo the author’s handcrafted fiber-inspired storyline) along with Baba and Nick’s traditional garb. Brett seamlessly adapts this traditional Ukrainian folktale into a charming, fantastical tale for children – it is one of the best fairytale/folktales for children 0-4.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen

Other books by this author: Town Mouse, Country Mouse, The Three Snow Bears, Gingerbread Baby, and Hedgie’s Surprise