Jan Brett, who was born in Hingham, Massachusetts, is a best- selling author and illustrator. She attended the Museum School in Boston. Her husband is a member of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Ms. Brett has received numerous awards for her work including The Boston Public Library Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. She also made the New York Times Bestsellers List for:
The Umbrella
Hedgie Blasts Off!
On Noah's Ark
Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve
Daisy Comes Home
Another story in the long list of work by Ms. Brett is The Mitten, which is a Ukrainian folktale that was adapted and illustrated by Ms. Brett.
The story is about Nicki, who wants to have a pair of snow white, wool mittens made. His Grandmother isn't certain of his color choice because surely if Nicki drops one, he will not find his white mitten in the white snow.
Nicki's Grandmother does make his white mittens, and he does drop one. He doesn't realize it at first, though, and many of the woodland animals find the mitten, and crawl into it. There are small animals and some larger animals who all find their way into the mitten, and somehow find a way to share the space. But will Nicki find his mitten?
This is a beautifully written and illustrated story by Ms. Brett.
There is another version of this classic tale by Alvin Tresselt. The two versions are told in a slightly different way, but are wonderful stories and will surely be enjoyed by preschool aged children.
Be sure to look for Ms. Brett's newest book The Easter Egg, which is due to be released in February 2010.
Additional Information:
"The Mitten" preschool activities at Green Olives & Ham
Jan Brett's Official Website
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