Be What Is Not

Granddaughter Ksyusha came from the city to her grandparents in a Pomor village. Grandpa entertains his granddaughter, telling her stories both true and false: he makes matryoshkas and, while crafting, introduces her to local beliefs and unusual inhabitants: Leshy, Bannik,... Kikimora, old man Polevichok and others.
Grandpa Matvey, grandma Anisya, and girl Ksyusha are already familiar to some readers from the book "Beauty without Brightness", but in the book "Be What Is Not", the heroes await new adventures. And a new matryoshka toy, family: soldier Yeremey, his wife Akulina and their children – son Ivashka, daughters Darina, Akulina, Zlatislava and Zabava… And each has their own tale!
Denis Makurin on the book: "Today wooden products (spoons, cups, toys) are souvenirs, but in the past they were an integral part of life. The toy served as a talisman, taught children to be frugal, and got them used to work from a young age. Carpentry tools in children's hands did not scare or surprise anyone.
And sometimes carving wood helped pass the time: to keep both head and hands busy. That is why wooden toys so inspire modern carvers, artists, and writers. And many more glorious stories can be woven, inspired by them"