Let’s find some matches. Some Russian children’s books and their counterpart for adults. Below I have a few reading recommendations for the parents who want to take a more direct. This is part of my Livre Voyage travel-themed family book club I mentioned yesterday. Here are some books about Russia Fiction for Kids and Adults.
Best Russian Novels for all ages
War and Peace for Kids and Adults
War and Peace is a long one. It follows three characters during Napolean’s 1812 invasion in Russia. Kids probably won’t get into it. Don’t worry, there’s a version for kids. So, either read the really long one or read the much shorter (64 pages) version with your kids and then decide if you want dig in with the big one. There’s also a fun board book to give you a bare-bones intro, good for all ages!
Anna Karenina for kids and adults
Considering the storyline for Anna Karenina, it shouldn’t be a surprise that there isn’t really a kid-friendly version. However, if you’re an adult that wants to read this book that has been said by many to be the best novel ever, please do read it. And if you’re looking for a tiny way to share that with your kids, try this Anna Karenina board book that’s all about the fashion and accessories of the era.
Books with Matryoshka Dolls
Here we delve from how the previous section was set up. This time the stories are all different, with one similar connection – Matryoshka Dolls. The Fifth Doll is about the magic within the dolls in the small town. In The Magic Nesting Doll, Katya uses her grandmother’s Matryoshka to help save a prince. And in Masha and Her Sisters, the idea of the nesting dolls is put in board book format.
Historical Fiction in Stalin’s Time
Child 44 is the first of a trilogy of suspenseful stories set in Stalin’s Soviet Union. However, Breaking Stalin’s Nose goes a different route. It is a Newbery Honor book whose main character, 10-year-old Sascha Zaichik, can’t seem to do anything right.
Books about hotels in Russia
A Gentleman in Moscow follows Count Alexander Rostov in his house arrest in a Moscow Luxury Hotel. Remind you of a certain beloved childhood character, Eloise, and her exploits at the Plaza Hotel in New York? However, instead of peaking in on her in New York, why not see what she’s up to in Russia-based book, Eloise in Moscow.
More resources for Books about Russian Fiction
- For adults looking for Russia-set books to read for themselves, check out TripFiction.
- For adults looking for options for their kids, check out children’s books set in Russia.
- Looking for more resources for learning about Russia? Visit our Russian Culture for Kids post.
- There are three ways you can easily make this book club an event:
- FOOD: Visit Food By Country for Tips.
- MUSIC: Visit my Russian Children’s Songs for YouTube videos and a great Spotify channel.
- ACTIVITIES: The Russian Culture for Kids post has some activities, and you can also follow my Pinterest board with Russia crafts for kids.
Do you want to join other like-minded families who are interested in learning about other cultures via books and travel? Join our Facebook Group. I approve new members daily. It’s still small but growing.