Remember the classics — like Karlsson-on-the-Roof or Winnie the Pooh? Reading with your child is one of the most powerful tools for development.
And when you're raising a bilingual child outside of Russia, reading in Russian becomes even more important — it helps preserve language, culture, and identity. If you walk into a bookstore today, you’ll see shelves packed with children’s books — from old favorites to new names you’ve probably never heard of.
Think modern books can’t compete with the classics? Think again.
What Are Modern Russian Children’s Books Like?
Today’s children’s literature has changed — just like childhood itself. You probably won’t find kids playing tag in the yard or spending summers with grandma in the countryside.
Now, stories often involve smartphones, the internet, and the modern-day emotions kids experience. But that doesn’t make the books any less valuable. Literature evolves alongside culture — and reflects the world children live in today.
✍️ Meet Some of Today’s Most Interesting Authors
1. Asya Petrova
A young fiction writer who creates heartfelt short stories for children. Her work captures the pure curiosity and confusion kids feel as they explore the adult world.
These stories help children feel understood — and give adults insight into how kids really think.
2. Ivan Zayanchkovsky – “Elephant on a Bicycle”
Basically part of the book Shepherds and Performers, and tells the story of a circus elephant who unexpectedly ends up in snowy Ufa. It’s a touching, almost poetic tale — one that will move both kids and grown-ups.
3. Anastasia Strokina – “The Whale Is Heading North”
A beautifully written philosophical tale about finding yourself and your true calling. Though it's told as a children’s story, the message is universal — and can resonate at any age.
🧠 How to Choose the Right Book for Your Child
There are no strict rules — but here’s one golden principle: The best book is the one your child actually wants to read.
Pick something that fits your child’s age and interests. That’s how you nurture a love for reading — and for learning in general. Even more important: be a role model. When children see you enjoy reading, they’re more likely to value books themselves. Reading together can become a cherished daily ritual — a time when it's just the two of you, bonding over shared stories.
Many parents stick to the classics — and that’s great. But don’t overlook modern authors. Contemporary stories help children understand the world around them as it is today. They’re also often written with the latest insights from child psychology in mind, which means they can gently help children process emotions, fears, or questions.
At Palme School, we use both classic and modern literature to support language learning and cultural understanding. We even wrote a special article on books for bilingual kids — check it out here.
Ready to get started? Sign up for a free trial lesson below and let us help your child explore the world of Russian language and stories.
