About the book
A story of friendship and faith.
Varenka lives contently in her cottage in the woods, until passersby warn her that war has broken out. Pack up a bundle and come along with us. But Varenka can’t leave.
Who will care for the children who wander and get lost in the forest? Who will shelter the animals and feed the birds when winter comes?
Soon, Varenka shelters a young artist, an old farmer and his goat, and a lost child. And each night she prays for a wall to be built around her house to protect her from the soldiers who draw nearer with each passing day. Things seem dire until Varenka notices a gentle sound all around the house. Snow. Could it be enough to save them?
This is a Bernadette Watts classic with its timeless message of courage, compassion, and faith.
“A master in choosing a palette.”—Eric Carle
STARRED REVIEW \"The resemblance to current-day displacement due to war is hauntingly similar... the Byzantine-like faces are beautifully crafted in soft pastel colors, while Watts’s writing follows traditional folktale cadence.
– School Library Journal
Editions of Varenka
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780735845077
Read an Excerpt
A story of friendship and faith.
Varenka lives contently in her cottage in the woods, until passersby warn her that war has broken out. Pack up a bundle and come along with us. But Varenka can’t leave.
Who will care for the children who wander and get lost in the forest? Who will shelter the animals and feed the birds when winter comes?
Soon, Varenka shelters a young artist, an old farmer and his goat, and a lost child. And each night she prays for a wall to be built around her house to protect her from the soldiers who draw nearer with each passing day. Things seem dire until Varenka notices a gentle sound all around the house. Snow. Could it be enough to save them?
This is a Bernadette Watts classic with its timeless message of courage, compassion, and faith.
“A master in choosing a palette.”—Eric Carle
STARRED REVIEW \"The resemblance to current-day displacement due to war is hauntingly similar... the Byzantine-like faces are beautifully crafted in soft pastel colors, while Watts’s writing follows traditional folktale cadence.
– School Library Journal
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Varenka about?
A story of friendship and faith.
Varenka lives contently in her cottage in the woods, until passersby warn her that war has broken out. Pack up a bundle and come along with us. But Varenka can’t leave.
Who will care for the children who wander and get lost in the forest? Who will shelter the animals and feed the birds when winter comes?
Soon, Varenka shelters a young artist, an old farmer and his goat, and a lost child. And each night she prays for a wall to be built around her house to protect her from the soldiers who draw nearer with each passing day. Things seem dire until Varenka notices a gentle sound all around the house. Snow. Could it be enough to save them?
This is a Bernadette Watts classic with its timeless message of courage, compassion, and faith.
“A master in choosing a palette.”—Eric Carle
STARRED REVIEW \"The resemblance to current-day displacement due to war is hauntingly similar... the Byzantine-like faces are beautifully crafted in soft pastel colors, while Watts’s writing follows traditional folktale cadence.
– School Library Journal
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Varenka?
Children’s, Teenage and Educational > Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories > Children’s / Teenage fiction: Religious and spiritual stories
Where can I read a sample of Varenka?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780735845077
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Varenka?
Bernadette Watts
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Varenka is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780735845077)
Where can I buy Varenka online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Varenka from below