Newbery Medal Winner

Dobry

by Monica Shannon

Summary

Set in a Bulgarian peasant village, this story follows a boy named Dobry who dreams of becoming a sculptor even though his family expects him to farm the land like his ancestors. The narrative celebrates rural life, the changing seasons, and the slow recognition of a young person's artistic gift. Monica Shannon weaves folklore and warmth into a portrait of a community rooted in tradition.

Historical Context & Significance

The book features illustrations by the Bulgarian artist Atanas Katchamakoff, whose work helped bring the village setting to life.