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Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave: A Picture Book About the Evil Witch and Dark Forest for Kids
Sweet, lovely Vasilisa lives with her jealous stepmother and stepsisters on the edge of a dark forest inhabited by the evil witch Baba Yaga. One night the stepmother sends Vasilisa to visit Baba Yaga, an errand from which the gentle girl has little chance of returning alive. "An engaging text and accomplished paintings set this version apart....A stylized and classy offering."--School Library Journal.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published May 19, 1994
4 people are currently reading
1672 people want to read
About the author
Marianna Mayer
62 books80 followersMarianna Mayer is a children's book author and artist recognized for her beautifully written retellings of classic folk and fairy tales. Born in New York City, she began her artistic training early and studied at the Art Students League after a year of college. Her first book was published at the age of nineteen. Mayer has authored several acclaimed works, including Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave, Pegasus, and The Twelve Dancing Princesses, often collaborating with renowned illustrators such as Kinuko Y. Craft and Michael Hague. She was previously married to illustrator Mercer Mayer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
March 10, 2021
Baba Yaga - one of the most frightening witches in folklore, and Marianna Mayer paints an excellent picture of her (and the kindhearted Vasilisa) through her text. I found this story somewhat different than other Baba Yaga folktales (but isn't that true for all folktales?) This particular story was a little reminiscent of Cinderella and Rumplestiltskin but with a more terrifying antagonist!
Kinuko Y. Craft comes through again with her stunning illustrations! They are so lifelike that you can almost feel the textures of the silken brocade and carved wooden sideboard. The sumptuousness of the traditional clothing is quite authentic. Even Baba Yaga herself (and her dwelling) are painted in horrific chilling detail!
My only (nit-picky) complaint is that a couple of pages have a lot of text but contain tiny illustrations which would be difficult to see if one chose to read this book aloud to several children at once.
WARNING: some text and illustrations are quite detailed and could be disturbing for some readers.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this spine-tingling version of Baba Yaga!
Kinuko Y. Craft comes through again with her stunning illustrations! They are so lifelike that you can almost feel the textures of the silken brocade and carved wooden sideboard. The sumptuousness of the traditional clothing is quite authentic. Even Baba Yaga herself (and her dwelling) are painted in horrific chilling detail!
My only (nit-picky) complaint is that a couple of pages have a lot of text but contain tiny illustrations which would be difficult to see if one chose to read this book aloud to several children at once.
WARNING: some text and illustrations are quite detailed and could be disturbing for some readers.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this spine-tingling version of Baba Yaga!
October 9, 2018
Vasilisa's tale begins much like a Cinderella story. Left alone with an evil stepmother, and two ill-tempered stepsisters, her life has become one of drudgery. As the years pass, her stepmother comes to realize that she will never marry off her homely, dim-witted daughters as long as the beautiful Vasilisa is around. So, Vasilisa is sent on a terrifying errand - to fetch a light from the dreaded Baba Yaga. She is not expected to return.
This is a beautiful volume, with a layout resembling an illuminated manuscript. Kinuko Craft's artwork is stunning, and incredibly detailed.
As you can see, the old girl herself is pretty scary, so this one should probably be saved for older children. Like some of the Grimm brothers' grimmest, this is a very dark tale, and a gruesome fate awaits the wrong-doers. But, as always, goodness is rewarded with wealth, security, and the promise of a happily-ever-after.
This is a beautiful volume, with a layout resembling an illuminated manuscript. Kinuko Craft's artwork is stunning, and incredibly detailed.
As you can see, the old girl herself is pretty scary, so this one should probably be saved for older children. Like some of the Grimm brothers' grimmest, this is a very dark tale, and a gruesome fate awaits the wrong-doers. But, as always, goodness is rewarded with wealth, security, and the promise of a happily-ever-after.
December 31, 2016
Vassilisa’s story is quite reminiscent of the Cinderella folktale, so much so that I'd call it a Russian version of it, but it also has a sprinkle of elements from other tales such as Cupid & Psyche (the seed sorting by animal helpers so Vassilisa isn't punished) and Hansel & Gretel (the hut of Baba Yaga as well as the old witch herself evoke the one in the German tale). That's quite a nice mix, and the gorgeous artwork by Japanese-American artist Kinuko Y. Craft (love her style!) makes this a beautiful book in every sense, both in presentation and in contents.
December 29, 2019
This gorgeous adaptation of a traditional Russian fairy-tale is the third collaboration between Marianna Mayer and Kinuko Craft, who worked together previously on
Pegasus
and
The Twelve Dancing Princesses
. It follows the adventures of the beautiful and brave young Vasilisa, who is left (Cinderella-like) in the care of a cruel stepmother. When Vasilisa is ordered to the house of the witch Baba Yaga, the only thing that stands between her and a terrible fate is her own goodness, and the love of her long-dead mother, embodied by a magical doll.
One of the great figures of Russian folklore, Baba Yaga the witch is a multi-faceted character. Part forest spirit and part-wise-woman, she is sometimes portrayed as a baby-eating witch, and sometimes as a helpful mentor to the hero or heroine. But whatever her role, she is always terrible to behold and dangerous to approach. Craft, who is always at her best when painting the sinister, does not disappoint, and her Baba Yaga is a masterpiece of eerie horror. A depiction made all the more powerful by its juxtaposition with her paintings of the beautiful Vasilisa.
This tale was originally collected by the Russian folklorist Alexander Afanasiev, and Mayer's narrative follows the original story quite faithfully, with the notable exception of the title, which has been changed from Vasilisa the Beautiful to Vasilisa the Brave. As always, I wish that the author and publisher attributed the tale to its source.
One of the great figures of Russian folklore, Baba Yaga the witch is a multi-faceted character. Part forest spirit and part-wise-woman, she is sometimes portrayed as a baby-eating witch, and sometimes as a helpful mentor to the hero or heroine. But whatever her role, she is always terrible to behold and dangerous to approach. Craft, who is always at her best when painting the sinister, does not disappoint, and her Baba Yaga is a masterpiece of eerie horror. A depiction made all the more powerful by its juxtaposition with her paintings of the beautiful Vasilisa.
This tale was originally collected by the Russian folklorist Alexander Afanasiev, and Mayer's narrative follows the original story quite faithfully, with the notable exception of the title, which has been changed from Vasilisa the Beautiful to Vasilisa the Brave. As always, I wish that the author and publisher attributed the tale to its source.
October 10, 2020
It's really great to see Craft's illustration talents move into a much darker realm for this book. The Baba Yaga is creepy, spooky, and excellent! I'm also happy to see a Russian girl, making Russian foods, in a Russian styled house. No sure that all guardians would think this story if appropriate for young kids... I mean a skull lights Vasilisa's mean relatives on fire (not depicted in the pictures), but I definitely want to buy a copy and add this to my picture book collection.
November 20, 2022
The illustrations are the nice; I really like the different tales of Baba Yaga.
December 9, 2019
Nice big book; lovely illustrations to a wonderful traditional Russian folk tale. The symbolism was poignant to me. Goodness is rewarded and so is forgiveness and fortitude. Selfish, evil people meet evil ends.
There is the requisite labors that the heroine must achieve in order to acquire her freedom and the punishment of her tormentors.
And of course the fairy tale ending with a happily ever after. It's a formula, but it's one I never tire of.
There is the requisite labors that the heroine must achieve in order to acquire her freedom and the punishment of her tormentors.
And of course the fairy tale ending with a happily ever after. It's a formula, but it's one I never tire of.
July 14, 2020
Out of the 20th and 21st century fairytale illustrators that I've been introducing myself to for the last couple of weeks, Craft is easily my favorite. Her work is full to the brim of magic. The pictures are almost otherworldly and could jump from the pages at any moment to draw you in a whirlwind of fairy dust.
I absolutely adored the whispy illustrations in Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty, but the ones in Baba Yaga are even more gorgeous. I've always had a thing for Russian / Eastern European visuals, so all the ornate clothes and interiors and dark forests filled my heart with joy. And the food! My god, I want to try them all.
The story itself is great as well. It starts as Cinderella, but then ends up in a Hansel and Gretel situation, and there's a glowing skull, knights who bring times of day with them, a talking doll, a creepy as hell old crone etc. I appreciated the fact that once again Baba Yaga is not a simplistic villain, although .
I absolutely adored the whispy illustrations in Beauty and the Beast and Sleeping Beauty, but the ones in Baba Yaga are even more gorgeous. I've always had a thing for Russian / Eastern European visuals, so all the ornate clothes and interiors and dark forests filled my heart with joy. And the food! My god, I want to try them all.
The story itself is great as well. It starts as Cinderella, but then ends up in a Hansel and Gretel situation, and there's a glowing skull, knights who bring times of day with them, a talking doll, a creepy as hell old crone etc. I appreciated the fact that once again Baba Yaga is not a simplistic villain, although .
January 2, 2024
The little doll is the cutest character ever.
June 8, 2023
I have read about Vasilisa the Beautiful. This is the first time I came across a character called Vasilisa the Brave. Perhaps it is a translation issue because this story IS indeed Vasilisa the Beautiful. I guess, compared to many Cinderella-like characters, Vasilisa IS indeed brave because she encounters a cannibalistic witch and somehow does not get herself eaten. Some modern readers may see her as a passive, weak girl who never takes control of her situation or stands up to her cruel stepmother. I disagree. Vasilisa (the Brave) is lonely (whose only companion is a "talking" doll given by her mother) and an ill-treated girl who works hard to overcome her difficult situation. Of course, she does indeed accept whatever Life presents her with, and that should be regarded as a sign of strength. Perhaps younger readers may not understand that the doll is a symbol of Vasilisa's deceased mother's love. The doll is her comfort toy. Her confidence arises through her mother's love (the doll). It does seem like the doll does most of the chores...!? I wonder how it is written in the original version as this is a folk tale and NOT a fairy tale. Because if it is the doll that does all the work, that will make her Vasilisa 'the Lazy', not Vasilisa 'the Beautiful' nor 'the Wise' nor 'the Brave'.
K.Y. Craft's illustrations are wonderful as always. Some of the pictures are rather dark and frightening. Baba Yaga is really scary-looking, but I doubt she would traumatize the children. Her character is fascinating. Folklore characters can be enigmatic and not prone to easy explanations. Baba Yaga is such a character in Russian folklore. Though she is introduced as a 'witch' who eats children, she actually eats normal food.
I wonder whether Baba Yaga is a misunderstood old crone (a wise woman) interested in 'strange' things and leading a solitary life, while the neighbors don’t understand her and fabricated horrible stories about her. I mean she helps people. At least, she helps honest people.
3 & 1/2 stars for the retelling
5 stars for the illustrations.
K.Y. Craft's illustrations are wonderful as always. Some of the pictures are rather dark and frightening. Baba Yaga is really scary-looking, but I doubt she would traumatize the children. Her character is fascinating. Folklore characters can be enigmatic and not prone to easy explanations. Baba Yaga is such a character in Russian folklore. Though she is introduced as a 'witch' who eats children, she actually eats normal food.
I wonder whether Baba Yaga is a misunderstood old crone (a wise woman) interested in 'strange' things and leading a solitary life, while the neighbors don’t understand her and fabricated horrible stories about her. I mean she helps people. At least, she helps honest people.
3 & 1/2 stars for the retelling
5 stars for the illustrations.
October 25, 2025
Ever since I was little...there was something about Baba Yaga that chilled me. So...of course I seek out any and all media centering around her.
I rather enjoyed the story of Vasilisa the Brave - the way she faced down Baba Yaga despite knowing her fate was inspiring.
I rather enjoyed the story of Vasilisa the Brave - the way she faced down Baba Yaga despite knowing her fate was inspiring.
July 17, 2021
The textiles! The light! The illuminated letters and margin illustrations! I can't say I've read many retellings of Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave, just Katherine Arden's YA trilogy. Mayer and Craft again team up to write a creepy and very Russian retelling of the tale. There's a skeleton gate, and Baba Yaga is quite ugly, so younger readers may be uncomfortable with this book. None of the illustrations have captions, except for a portrait of Baba Yaga with an after dinner puff. The caption reads, "Smoking after meals is one of Baba Yaga's many bad habits." Never too early to indoctrinate littles against the evils of smoking, I guess--a real, be-tarred human lung plucked from a bucket by a docent at a museum did the trick for four-year-old, asthmatic me. However, the beauty wins out, and the wedding scene is ~perfection~. Vasilisa's headpiece left me in raptures.
May 24, 2021
I love K.Y. Craft's illustrations. Incredibly beautiful and detailed.
October 15, 2009
Marianna Mayer’s Russian version of Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave, is a fascinating rendition of the tale of Cinderella. Vasilisa is a beautiful young woman who lives with her hideously cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Vasilisa’s stepmother sends Vasilisa to Baba Yaga’s house to get candles, knowing that Baba Yaga is a horrifying witch who enjoys devouring the people she comes across. Baba Yaga gives Vasilisa impossible tasks to finish. If Vasilisa does not finish her tasks, she will end up being the delicacy served at dinner! With the help of her little magical doll, Vasilisa is able to complete all of the tasks Baba Yaga gives her. Baba Yaga sends Vasilisa home with a torch which she is supposed to give to her stepmother and sisters. The torch engulfs the evil women in flames. Vasilisa goes to live with a nice older woman, who gives the tzar some beautiful fabric that Vasilisa wove. The tzar immediately falls in love with Vasilisa and they live happily ever after.
This was one of my favorites of all the Cinderella stories I read this week. I thought that it was extremely interesting to see how “dark” the Russian version of this beloved children’s tale was. While I really enjoyed this story, I think that it could be a bit overwhelming for younger readers as some of the language is pretty graphic. Another reason that I enjoyed this book so much was because of the amazing illustrations. K.Y. Craft depicted the witch Baba Yaga so vividly and gruesomely. I felt as if I was almost watching a movie in my head as I looked at the images and read the story to myself. While I believe the illustrations not only enhanced, but were crucial to this book, I think that they are another reason that this book may not be suitable for younger children.
This was one of my favorites of all the Cinderella stories I read this week. I thought that it was extremely interesting to see how “dark” the Russian version of this beloved children’s tale was. While I really enjoyed this story, I think that it could be a bit overwhelming for younger readers as some of the language is pretty graphic. Another reason that I enjoyed this book so much was because of the amazing illustrations. K.Y. Craft depicted the witch Baba Yaga so vividly and gruesomely. I felt as if I was almost watching a movie in my head as I looked at the images and read the story to myself. While I believe the illustrations not only enhanced, but were crucial to this book, I think that they are another reason that this book may not be suitable for younger children.
December 2, 2020
The illustrations are beautiful, the story very dark.
In Russia, Vasilissa is portrayed as dark brunette because it's Russia, not Sweden. But many westerners always portray the good and beautiful as blonde, same old, same old. This is a Russian tale, and although there are brunettes all over Europe, there are many in Russia...many beautiful ones for that matter.
If you want a better version, look elsewhere.
In Russia, Vasilissa is portrayed as dark brunette because it's Russia, not Sweden. But many westerners always portray the good and beautiful as blonde, same old, same old. This is a Russian tale, and although there are brunettes all over Europe, there are many in Russia...many beautiful ones for that matter.
If you want a better version, look elsewhere.
October 19, 2016
A wonderful tale of a brave girl vasilisa who embarks on a journey to the dreaded witch Baba Yaga to get a light at the request of her step mother. A must read tale of a girl and her little doll that changed her destiny.
December 27, 2021
A pretty picture-book retelling. Suitable for a child's library, although we found it unsatisfying as an adult fan of fairy tales and picture books.
June 5, 2020
The art of this book is wonderful, and I enjoyed the story. I know so little of it. It starts similar to Cinderella, and takes a decidedly Russian turn!
June 15, 2019
K.Y. Craft continues to be my favorite children's illustrator.
February 23, 2010
A Russian version of the Cinderella tale, this one finds Vasilisa being sent to Baba Yaga's bone house to fetch a candle. Vasilisa takes the doll her real mother made for her, to whom she has whispered all her secrets while growing up. Baba Yaga knows who Vasilisa is and who her step-mother is and tells Vasilisa if she cleans and cooks and separates the wheat from the chaff, she will spare her life for one day. Vasilisa and her doll complete the tasks and the next day Baba Yaga sets another impossible task, which is also completed. Baba Yaga allows Vasilisa to leave and gives her a light to take home - a skull which glows. When Vasilisa gets back, she finds the house still in darkness. The skull shines and burns up the wicked step-mother. Vasilisa then goes to live with someone else and weaves cloth for her to be sold in the market. The woman finds the cloth too fine to sell and takes it to the Tsar. The Tsar's son sees Vasilisa and they fall in love and marry.
Wow. Those Russians are a lighthearted, cheery bunch. Baba Yaga's house is made of human bones, for one. And... well, all the rest.
The illustrations in this version are wonderful, and of course are why I noticed the book. Amazon says the book is recommended for ages 4-8, grades 3-5, but when I read it I really wondered about that. I think it would be a very scary story for some children in that range. Lighted skulls turning people to cinders? Yikes.
Still, if the parent felt their child was mature enough to handle such references, then this is a book I would recommend.
Wow. Those Russians are a lighthearted, cheery bunch. Baba Yaga's house is made of human bones, for one. And... well, all the rest.
The illustrations in this version are wonderful, and of course are why I noticed the book. Amazon says the book is recommended for ages 4-8, grades 3-5, but when I read it I really wondered about that. I think it would be a very scary story for some children in that range. Lighted skulls turning people to cinders? Yikes.
Still, if the parent felt their child was mature enough to handle such references, then this is a book I would recommend.
March 17, 2012
This book is a retelling of a Russian folktale. It's reminiscent of Cinderella and the story is so rich with morality, love, magic, and danger that it is a perfect example of a fairy tale. I loved the gorgeous illustrations; Kinuko Y. Craft has an amazing way to weave the true personality of the characters into her pictures. Baba Yaga is frightening, but wise; Vasilia's stepmother is beautiful, but cold-hearted.
We really enjoyed reading this story together. I've noticed that there are several books about Baba Yaga at our local library and we'll have to check a few of them out.
We really enjoyed reading this story together. I've noticed that there are several books about Baba Yaga at our local library and we'll have to check a few of them out.
May 5, 2008
I got this book because I liked another book done by the same author and because it was Russian-themed. The pictures terrified my kids; we didn't even get through the first few pages together. Let's just say that the story started with a cannibalistic forest witch who makes her fence railing from human bones, the obligatory wicked stepmother and stepsisters, and went downhill from there. I finished the book on my own and it never got better, it actually got slightly worse. Glowing skulls, murder as retribution for ill treatment. Seriously? And she married the czar and lived happily ever after.
May 22, 2009
Баба Яга is one of my favorite "children's" stories. For people unfamiliar, Baba Yaga stories are the slavic version of the Grimm Fairy Tales. So, even though we read them to children, they are really symbolic of struggles that adults have in every day life.
Yes, I read Alison Baba Yaga and Vasilisa dozens of times as she was growing up. This story is very much like Hansel and Gretel but, with little, cultural twists that make the stories very slavic.
You may not want to own it,(I do) but you should read a couple of these stories just to get out of what's probably a Western European and/or English literary rut.
Yes, I read Alison Baba Yaga and Vasilisa dozens of times as she was growing up. This story is very much like Hansel and Gretel but, with little, cultural twists that make the stories very slavic.
You may not want to own it,(I do) but you should read a couple of these stories just to get out of what's probably a Western European and/or English literary rut.
December 29, 2015
Actual rating: 3.5
I'm going to try and read most of the available (printed, most likely) versions of this tale. This one gets props for the beautiful illustrations, although I think the human faces (particularly those of our heroine) are lacking.
Baba Yaga, the doll, the horsemen, and most of the sets/scenery are drawn absolutely magnificently. There's nothing special about the writing, but it gets the story out there. It's serviceable, with the occasional breathtaking illustration.
I'm going to try and read most of the available (printed, most likely) versions of this tale. This one gets props for the beautiful illustrations, although I think the human faces (particularly those of our heroine) are lacking.
Baba Yaga, the doll, the horsemen, and most of the sets/scenery are drawn absolutely magnificently. There's nothing special about the writing, but it gets the story out there. It's serviceable, with the occasional breathtaking illustration.
November 3, 2008
Be warned, Baba Yaga kind of scared me!
August 16, 2024
Beautifully written and beautifully illustrated. I didn't think I was familiar with the story of Vasilisa, but as I read with a sense of familiarity I realised that a few years ago I read Vassa in the Night by Sarah Porter which is a radical retelling.
This traditional telling of the fairy tale by Marianna Mayer is illustrated by K(inuko) Y. Craft and was published in 1994 by Morrow Books. The first part of the story is a familiar Cinderella story - the death of a beloved mother, a mean stepmother and two cruel and ugly stepsisters, a father's passing. But in this story the beautiful girl who is forced to do all the chores is comforted not by her mother's tree, but by a living, talking doll that her mother made her. And rather than attending a ball, she must make a journey across the forest to the home of the wicked witch Baba Yaga to ask for a light. Although she does eventually marry a prince (in this case the Tzar) I much preferred this story where her purpose was not to dance and attract a suitor but to use her wits and her faith to survive and live well.
This traditional telling of the fairy tale by Marianna Mayer is illustrated by K(inuko) Y. Craft and was published in 1994 by Morrow Books. The first part of the story is a familiar Cinderella story - the death of a beloved mother, a mean stepmother and two cruel and ugly stepsisters, a father's passing. But in this story the beautiful girl who is forced to do all the chores is comforted not by her mother's tree, but by a living, talking doll that her mother made her. And rather than attending a ball, she must make a journey across the forest to the home of the wicked witch Baba Yaga to ask for a light. Although she does eventually marry a prince (in this case the Tzar) I much preferred this story where her purpose was not to dance and attract a suitor but to use her wits and her faith to survive and live well.
February 27, 2021
Vasilisa and Cinderella have a lot in common. Beauty? Check. Long-suffering? Check. Expert home-makers? Check. Cruel stepmother and stepsisters? Check.
But Vasilisa's story takes a more active--and more sinister--turn when her stepmother sends her into the forest to ask the dreaded Baba Yaga for a candle. Baba Yaga lives alone in a chicken-footed hut decorated with the bones of her victims. Vasilisa needs all her courage, and a little help from an enchanted doll, to escape alive.
Which she does. As a bonus, Baba Yaga gets rid of the stepmother too. And, while I'll always love Cinderella--the heroism and adventure, and the sheer darkness of this story makes me rank it first in my mind.
This edition is splendidly retold, and the illustrations are to die for. My older daughter says Kinuko Craft is her favorite artist. It's easy to she why in this book. I'm convinced Ms Craft got Baba Yaga to pose for her.
Now that's another story I'd love to hear!
But Vasilisa's story takes a more active--and more sinister--turn when her stepmother sends her into the forest to ask the dreaded Baba Yaga for a candle. Baba Yaga lives alone in a chicken-footed hut decorated with the bones of her victims. Vasilisa needs all her courage, and a little help from an enchanted doll, to escape alive.
Which she does. As a bonus, Baba Yaga gets rid of the stepmother too. And, while I'll always love Cinderella--the heroism and adventure, and the sheer darkness of this story makes me rank it first in my mind.
This edition is splendidly retold, and the illustrations are to die for. My older daughter says Kinuko Craft is her favorite artist. It's easy to she why in this book. I'm convinced Ms Craft got Baba Yaga to pose for her.
Now that's another story I'd love to hear!
November 14, 2025
We bought the new Stephen King, Maurice Sendak Hansel and Gretel and the witch in that book is certainly an interpretation of Baba Yaga. I told Solomon and Maya that the witch was Baba, and then they kept asking questions. I told this version of the story from memory (I was pretty close). Then of course, I ordered it.
Marianna Mayer and K.Y Craft are the goat and this is a beautifully written and illustrated book.
My personal favorite part was actually the names of all the Russian food dishes. I’m going to go back and write them down to look up on the inter webs. My favorite part with regard to my kiddos was the part where Baba asks Vasilisa how she completed all the tasks: who helped her. Vasilisa simply says “with my mother’s love.”
Baba Yaga is terrifying in this book, so if your kids are sensitive to scary imagery, maybe wait on this one.
Marianna Mayer and K.Y Craft are the goat and this is a beautifully written and illustrated book.
My personal favorite part was actually the names of all the Russian food dishes. I’m going to go back and write them down to look up on the inter webs. My favorite part with regard to my kiddos was the part where Baba asks Vasilisa how she completed all the tasks: who helped her. Vasilisa simply says “with my mother’s love.”
Baba Yaga is terrifying in this book, so if your kids are sensitive to scary imagery, maybe wait on this one.
June 24, 2018
The illustrations are gorgeous. There's usually a full-page one on each two-page spread, but there's a smaller one on the bottom of the page with text, and the first letter on each page is done in an illuminated manuscript style.
Definitely doesn't shy away from some of the more gruesome parts of fairytales. The book and Baba Yaga herself are very upfront about the fact that she eats people, and the ending involves a skull that causes the stepmother and stepsisters to burst into flame.
Vasilisa didn't have much agency here. She was kind and hardworking, but the doll that her mother gave her solved most of the problems.
Definitely doesn't shy away from some of the more gruesome parts of fairytales. The book and Baba Yaga herself are very upfront about the fact that she eats people, and the ending involves a skull that causes the stepmother and stepsisters to burst into flame.
Vasilisa didn't have much agency here. She was kind and hardworking, but the doll that her mother gave her solved most of the problems.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews