Practice manuscript handwriting in a new challenging way! The Trace-A-Story series publishes classic stories in traceable cursive and manuscript handwriting. This gives children extra practice in a more challenging setting and gives them a reason to complete the practice book. Every story is broken up into sections so that it's not too intimidating. One section per day is ideal, but since every person learns at different speeds, more or less can be done per day. Story Summary: Marushka is treated like a servant by her stepmother and stepsister, Holena, because she is prettier than her stepsister. Even though she is treated unfairly, she never complains and does as she's told. One day, her stepsister wants violets and sends Marushka out in the middle of winter to look for them. When Marushka tries to explain that she wouldn't be able to find them this time of year, her stepmother pushes her out the door into the cold. Marushka is then told that if she comes back with out them, she will be killed. Marushka, slowly makes her way up a mountain and at the top, she finds a fire surrounded by the 12 Months. January asks why she is there and after listening to her story, helps her. After returning home, Marushka is sent back out again for strawberries. Again, January listens to why she's there and again, he helps her. A third time, Marushka is sent out for apples and she goes to the 12 months for help, only this time the months have had enough of the greediness. Will the 12 months help Marushka for a third time? Or will she have to return home to face her stepmother and stepsister empty handed?