The Old Man's Mitten: A Ukrainian Folk Tale (Rukavichka), 1953. In English.

The Old Man's Mitten. A Ukrainian Folk Tale. / Illustrated by E. Rachev; translated from the Russian by Irina Zheleznova. Series: Soviet Children's Library For Tiny Tots.
Moscow : Foreign Languages Publishing House, 1953.
16 pp. : color ill. Softcover, encyclopedic format (22 x 29 cm). In English.

This 1953 edition of the beloved Ukrainian folk tale The Old Man's Mitten (Rukavichka) is a premier example of early Soviet "export" publishing. Produced by the Foreign Languages Publishing House in Moscow, this book was part of the "Soviet Children's Library For Tiny Tots" series, specifically designed to introduce international audiences to the rich folklore of the USSR's constituent republics. The translation was provided by the prolific Irina Zheleznova, whose English versions of Russian and Ukrainian tales became the gold standard for clarity and poetic resonance.
The visual masterpiece of this volume is the artwork of Evgeny Rachev (1906–1997), one of the most distinguished Soviet illustrators of the 20th century. Rachev is world-renowned for his "anthropomorphic" animal style, where he depicts creatures—from the "Crunch-Munch Mouse" to the "Tusk-Pointy Boar"—dressed in traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts (vyshyvankas), colorful vests, and peasant costumes. His ability to blend anatomical accuracy with expressive, human-like social hierarchies makes this story of a lost mitten becoming an impromptu communal home both humorous and deeply charming.
In the early 1950s, these high-quality English-language editions served as important tools of cultural diplomacy, showcasing the high standards of Soviet printing and the state’s commitment to preserving diverse ethnic traditions. The large format and vibrant, full-page illustrations make this 1953 printing a quintessential "picture book" of the Stalinist era's final year.
For collectors of children's literature, admirers of Evgeny Rachev’s art, and historians of Soviet cultural exports, this 1953 edition is a rare and highly sought-after artifact. It represents a peak in the artistic interpretation of Ukrainian folklore and remains a testament to the universal appeal of the "huddled together in harmony" motif found in this classic tale.