Retold in
English from the original Russian, Two
Brothers is an example of translated international literature that was included in the Weekly Reader Children's Book Club. This children’s picture book is written in
the third-person-omniscient point of view.
It is illustrated with realistic black and white etchings that
authentically preserve cultural details in the characters’ appearance, clothing,
homes, means of transportation, and items appropriate to the time and place of
its unique setting. The illustrations
serve to enrich the meaning and mood of the story, especially since detailed descriptions
of the same imagery are not always part of the text. Two
Brothers may be categorized as modern fantasy. It is set in rural Russia at the home of a forester
and his family, moves beyond the realistic into an imagined place with
unusual characters and very strange situations, then back again, emphasizing the
power of the universal values of kindness, friendship, and love.
“….Now,
once upon a time a forester lived in a great forest and his name was Blackbeard….”
(p. 7). Blackbeard walked every day back
and forth through his forest where he knew every tree by name. While in the forest he was happy. At home
he was troubled by his two sons, Big Brother, 12, and Little Brother, 7,
because they quarreled every day. In the
middle of winter the parents had to go away for three days, leaving the
brothers alone. Big Brother promised not
to mistreat Little Brother. One evening
Little Brother wanted Big Brother to play with him, but Big Brother wanted to
finish reading his book. He yelled, “Leave
me alone!” and pushed Little Brother
outside, closing the door—only for a little while. Too much time elapsed before Big Brother remembered. He opened the door to cold pitch darkness and
no Little Brother. Just then the parents
returned. Blackbeard sent Big Brother to
find Little Brother, not to return without him.
He wandered remorsefully beyond his known land into a strange frozen
place where he encountered the fearsome and unkind Great Grandfather Frost, who
had imprisoned Little Brother. In order
to find his dear little brother, Big Brother went with the frightening old man
into his terrible frozen world, where he was forced to daily freeze small
forest creatures over icy black flames.
He began hiding animals and birds in his sleeve to save them. The grateful animals repaid his kindness by helping
to eventually free both the brothers.
Big Brother was so happy to have his little brother back that he never
again was mean to him. They lived
together in true friendship.
Tweet: Kindness melts the ice.
The theme of kindness is one most worthy of children’s attention. Children should be taught that unkind words and deeds can have strong, sometimes unintended effects--usually not good ones--while kindness is uplifting for both its giver and receiver.
The theme of kindness is one most worthy of children’s attention. Children should be taught that unkind words and deeds can have strong, sometimes unintended effects--usually not good ones--while kindness is uplifting for both its giver and receiver.
Questions:
Can you recall a time when someone was unkind to you? How did it make you feel? Can you recall a time when someone was kind to
you? How did it make you feel? How could Big Brother have responded
differently to Little Brother when he wanted to play? What do you think Big Brother was thinking
while he was wandering through the cold forests searching for his little
brother? How did the family feel when everyone was reunited?
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