Russia

In this classic Russian folktale, the Tsar sends his sons to search for the mythical firebird. The youngest son finds the firebird in a golden cage, goes on to capture the horse with the golden mane, rescue Yelena the Beautiful and fight evil Koshchei the Immortal. Gorgeously illustrated. (Picture book)

Charming retelling of Peter and the wolf, the musical fairy tale. A wolf leaps out of the deep dark woods, trapping the bird, the duck and the cat, but Peter has a plan to trap the wolf. Wonderful illustrations and fun for all ages. (Picture book)

Illustrated history of Catherine the Great, a German princess who married Peter III, next czar of Russia, but she became the reigning Empress of Russia, modernized the country, built the Hermitage and created a collection of art you'll see today. (Chapter book)

Story of a kinder, gentler Baba Yaga, who becomes an adopted grandmother and saves a little boy from the wolves. Brightly colored illustrations, like Russian folk art. Also fun is Rechenka's Eggs. (Picture book)

Vasilisa is sent by her crummy stepmother to fetch a light from the fearsome witch, Baba Yaga, who lives in the forest in a house surrounded by clattering bones. Richly illustrated with deep colors and marvelous detail. (Picture book)

Fictional diary of Anastasia, the youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, as she goes from a princess living in the ornate palaces of Tsarskoe Selo and Peterhof, to house arrest with her family in Siberia. (Chapter book)

Also, based on true events: Anastasia's Secret

Vivid novel of the last days of the Romanovs in Siberia, an edge-of-your-seat story of a teenage boy who was there, the night the czar's family was executed. Seamlessly interweaves historical fact and fiction into a fascinating read for teenagers. (Chapter book)

Story of how the composer Mussorgsky was inspired to write Pictures at an Exhibition. After Victor, an artist and architect, dies suddenly, his friends put together an exhibition of his art. From the pictures, Mussorgsky creates a soaring piano composition in honor of his dear friend. Colorfully illustrated, like Russian folk art. (Picture book)

Eugene Yelchin grew up in Cold War Russia (USSR). He listened to illegal rock and roll records, watched his star athlete brother win every competition, started ballet school, but what Yelchin wanted was to study art. And find out what a six year old boy is doing under the dining table in a one room apartment. Yelchin went on to have a career as an illustrator, painter, and award-winning author. (Chapter book)

Also, gripping story of life under Stalin: Breaking Stalin's Nose

Illustrated history of the Kremlin in Moscow, capitol of Russia. From a fort on the hill to onion-domed churches where saints were buried, gilded palace where the czars were crowned, invasion by Napoleon (Kremlin survived), to the citadel today, with Great Bell Tower, museums, and residence of President of Russia. (Chapter book)