Our Little Russian Cousin

A gentle portrait of childhood in a far‑away land, this charming picture book follows ten‑year‑old Petrovna and her lively brother Ivan as they explore the grand streets and icy rivers of St. Petersburg. Their days are filled with make‑believe games—Petrovna dresses as a princess while Ivan pretends to be a brave soldier—set against the backdrop of a bustling city that gleams with palaces, churches, and the bustling market life of a merchant family.

Interwoven with simple history, the story introduces young readers to the origins of the city, the vision of Peter the Great, and the everyday rhythms of Russian families, from winter evenings by a massive porcelain stove to summer outings on the Neva’s islands. Warm illustrations bring the crisp air, colorful costumes, and festive fairs to life, inviting listeners to share in the wonder of a culture both familiar and new.