Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave

by Marianna Mayer

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688085008
• ISBN13: 9780688085001
• Release Date: May 1994
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.3" x 11.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Excellent Children's Story

This is a beautiful story, beautifully illustrated. The story is about how a mother's love can carry her daughter through the most dire situation. My daughters and I love this story, and although I've read the story again and again, it's still fresh and beautiful. I've decided to give it as a card with an inscription as one of my daughter's H.S. graduation gift. I know she'll read it again and again.

Lush illustrations make this a must buy

I was absolutely astonished by how well illustrated this book is. The pictures of Vasilisa are superb, and the book remains true to its Russian origin by including (among other thing) the drawings and words for Russian foods when describing a banquet. The pictures of the Baba Yaga are very detailed, but also a little scarey, which is something to keep in mind if you have very young children. I am extremely particular about which children's books I buy, but this book would be a must buy for any collection.

A strong female folktale

I'm very selective in what books I choose for my children, but this was a must-buy for me. The rich illustrations drew me to it, and the superb, suspenseful writing kept me reading it right there in the store.This story is a nice departure from the standard 'bad witch' and 'helpless young girl' tales, where the little girl has to be rescued. Instead, this story features a resourceful Russian girl who manages to use her wits to thwart the witch Baba Yaga. Not only is this book a great antidote to the 'someday my prince will come' tales, but it stands on its own as a rich example of Russian culture and legend