book: Marta and the Manger Straw: A Christmas Tradition from Poland (Traditions of Faith from around the...

book: Marta and the Manger Straw: A Christmas Tradition from Poland (Traditions of Faith from around the World) | Virginia Kroll ...

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	• Marta and the Manger Straw: A Christmas Tradition from Poland (Traditions of Faith from around the World) Virginia Kroll Zonderkidz, 2005 - 40 pages average customer review:based on 1 review view larger image
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---------Warmhearted story of a Polish Christmas Tradition----------

MARTA AND THE MANGER STRAW is a gentle story of a child who had been given one stalk of straw from the manger display at her church. The priest had told her to "Take a piece of straw from the manger. Keep it with you, and you will have riches all year. And remember, Marta, there are different kinds of riches."

As the child goes through the next couple of days, she shares pieces of her straw with various people. Her Babcia (grandmother) is sick and Marta gives her a piece of the straw in the hope that her health would improve. Her little friend Pela is crying because her family's cow was lost and their source of milk was gone and again, Marta shares a piece of the straw. Another time, Marta generously gives some firewood and the manage straw to an old woman who is suffering from the cold. Literally, the last straw that Marta herself had cherished is given to a starving dog. He was begging for food and since she had no food to give him, she tied the straw into his fur.

When Marta and her mother have a horrible misfortune in their lives, all of the people that Marta had shared the straw with come forward with generous gifts. It seems that the straw had helped them all in some way.

The author, Virginia Kroll, lives in New York and has written over fifty books for children. This book was published in 2005.

The enchanting illustrations in this story were painted by Robyn Belton. I've visited Poland three times and have to say that the artist was right on target. The folk costumes, the church and other buildings all look very authentic! I loved the interior of Marta's home. The religious pictures on the wall and various other decorative items that are found in Polish homes. Also, the festive table that was set for a Christmas meal at Babcia's cottage was well done. Robyn Belton lives in New Zealand. She says, "I dedicate this book to the 732 refugee children who came to New Zealand in 1944 due to the event of the Second World War, and those whose presence has enriched our lives."

This book is part of a series called The Traditions of Faith. The series illustrates how Christian holiday customs have evolved around the world.

Judith Slivinski Miller

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A piece of straw brings to mind Christ?s humble birth in a stable?I

In a Polish custom hundreds of years old, tradition has it that a bit of straw at the Christmas feast will bring good fortune in the coming year.