Baba Yaga's black geese have taken Elena's baby brother! Now it's up to Elena to save him from the terrible witch who eats little children. But how can she? This charming retelling of a Baba Yaga story from Russian folklore, perfect for reading aloud, is sure to enchant children everywhere. The scary witch, the resourceful little girl, and the magical animals--traditional elements of fairy tales from around the world--come together here with bright, dynamic illustrations to create a new classic.
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Baba Yaga's black geese steal children--everyone in the village fears them. So when young Elena discovers that her baby brother is missing, she knows she must rescue him from the evil Baba Yaga's forest lair. On her way, she runs across a fish out of water, gasping. Though she is in a great hurry, she helps it back into the pond.
"As you have helped me, so I shall help you," said the fish. "Here, take this shell. If ever you are in danger, throw it over your shoulder."As she hurries along, she releases a squirrel from a trap, who gratefully gives her a danger-preventing walnut. When she later helps a field mouse move a rock, he gives her a danger-preventing pebble. At last she reaches Baba Yaga's foul hut, "which stands on three giant hens' legs and can move around when it likes." Baba Yaga is asleep inside, right next to her baby brother! She picks up her brother, and runs into the forest, with the terrible witch hot on her heels. Remembering her magical gifts from the forest creatures, she throws the shell behind her. A lake appears! But Baba Yaga drinks it in great thirsty gulps and is back on her trail. When Elena throws the walnut over her shoulder, a thick grove of trees appears! But Baba Yaga chews the trees down with her sharp teeth. When Elena throws the pebble, a mountain looms large, and Baba Yaga is at last stopped in her tracks. "As for Elena, she went on to her village and was safe at home playing with her little brother when her father and mother got back from the market with the sugar buns." Jessica Souhami's lively, geometric collages--inspired by Russian folk art--express action and emotion with the simplest of forms. Children will be on the edge of their seats as Elena tries to rescue her baby brother and is chased by the evil witch... and visibly relieved when they both make it home safe and sound. And who knows? The next time they see a fish or a squirrel in need, they may pause to help. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson
From Publishers Weekly
Baba Yaga, the powerful hag of Russian folklore, comes to spine-tingling life in Lurie's (The Heavenly Zoo) lean, suspenseful retelling of a well-loved tale. When her parents must go to market, Elena is left at home to look after her baby brother. In the Russia of old, baby-sitting also means keeping watch for Baba Yaga's black geese, which snatch children for their mistress to eat. Elena lets her attention wander and soon her brother is astride one of the black geese, winging its way to Baba Yaga's dinner table. In hot pursuit of the baby, Elena passes three creatures in need, and though she doesn't want to tarry, Elena takes time to aid the fish, squirrel and mouse. As in most folktales, the magic gifts from the grateful creatures eventually repay her kindness and help Elena outmaneuver Baba Yaga. Souhami's (Rama and the Demon King) cut-paper collage illustrations feature a rich watercolor palette, spryly accented with pen and ink. The building blocks of her art are simple geometric shapes, arranged with sophistication. The characters' hands, for example, don't quite meet the arms, and the arms don't quite meet the torsosAthe result is a loose-jointed and dynamic look suggestive of a skillfully worked marionette show. A fresh new take on a perennial favorite. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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