When Mrs. Claus goes away to care for her sick sister, Santa Claus has too much work to do, and too little time! So, he writes to Father Frost (the Russian Santa Claus) and asks if the Russian Snow Maiden, Snegurochka, can come and help out with presents. Father Frost consents and sends Snegurochka to the North Pole along with a small gift, a matryoshka doll.

Snegurochka arrives at the North Pole and immediately sets to work. She likes it there as Santa Claus seems very jolly, but she also thinks he seems worried. At night she tries to cheer herself up by playing with the little doll Father Frost gave her. However she keeps it a secret because grown-ups don't play with toys; and she is supposed to be the substitute for Mrs. Claus. One night while playing with the doll, she loses the smallest piece, and wonders if it means she will not be able to help Santa after all.

The next morning, Santa accidentally sits down on the little lost piece! Finally, Snegurochka shows him the doll, and in doing so Santa finds the perfect new toy for Christmas. Snegurochka also learns an important lesson in being herself.

How the Russian Snow Maiden Helped Santa Claus is a warm holiday treasure with beautiful illustrations, a few easy Russian words, and a valuable lesson. This book is a must!

-Product Review by Hannah Kessler, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, June, 2006