Vasilisa (Old Rus Tales Book 1)
#1 of 2 in Old Rus Tales Series
on Goodreads (150)
What’s inside...
Vasilisa is a captivating novel inspired by the Russian fairy tale 'Vasilisa the Beautiful.' It follows the life of a young girl, Vasilisa, who navigates a realm where reality and fantasy blend seamlessly. Set against the backdrop of a mystic Russian forest and an American town, the story intertwines Vasilisa's struggles with family woes and mystical dreams that lead her to confront legendary creatures like Baba Yaga. Alongside Ivan, an orphan seeking revenge, Vasilisa embarks on a perilous journey to discover her destiny and the secrets of her heritage. Their adventure is filled with challenges that test their courage, wisdom, and the power of love.
Character compass
Vasilisa
Baba Yaga
Discussion points
Why do you think Vasilisa was chosen to face the challenges in the story?
What would you do if you were in Vasilisa's place when meeting Baba Yaga?
How do you think the magical doll helped Vasilisa? Can you think of a time when you received help unexpectedly?
What does this story teach us about bravery and wisdom?
How do you feel about the ending of the story? Would you change anything if you could?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child about their favorite part of the story and why it stands out to them.
Encourage your child to compare their experiences with Vasilisa’s, discussing similarities and differences in how they handle challenging situations.
Use the magical elements from the story to spark your child’s imagination, asking them to invent their own magical helper and describe its abilities.
Discuss the moral lessons of the story, emphasizing the values of courage and resourcefulness, and ask your child how they can apply these in their own life.
Ensure to listen actively and validate your child’s feelings and opinions to make them feel valued throughout the discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Vasilisa shows bravery as she faces daunting tasks set by the fearsome witch, Baba Yaga. Despite her fears, she tackles each challenge with determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and overcoming obstacles, teaching them resilience and courage in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and problem-solving
Explanation: Vasilisa uses her wits and the magical items her mother left her to solve the problems she encounters, demonstrating clever thinking and adaptability.
Real-World Application: This story encourages kids to think creatively to solve problems, an essential skill in school tasks and everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Vasilisa remains kind and helpful to those she meets, which eventually leads to her receiving help in return.
Real-World Application: Children learn that kindness fosters positive relationships and community support, highlighting the benefits of being compassionate toward others.
Example Lesson: Importance of listening to wise advice
Explanation: Vasilisa's success is partly due to her adherence to her mother’s advice and the guidance of her magical doll.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of listening to guidance from parents and teachers, helping them make wise decisions.