This book retells a Russian folktale about a giant baby stealing monster and a young girl who goes to get her baby brother back. This version of the book had authentic looking artwork and the tale it told was both creepy and entertaining at the same time. I think this book would be a great addition to any lesson on different cultures, particularly Russian culture!

I recently chose this book for a Russian folktale themed storytime (the Olympics!). One of my favorite aspects of this book was how well it leant itself to prediction and discussion with children. In the story, the little girl receives three strange gifts from animals; she is told that if she is ever in danger, she can throw them over her shoulder for protection. When she is running from Baba Yaga, she throws the shell (from the fish) over her shoulder and a huge lake appears to hinder Baba Yaga's path. This pattern repeats itself and it is very fun to ask the children what they think each gift will create. Also, the story shows how being nice and kind to other creatures really pays off in the end. Which is lovely. I really liked the illustrations too. ( )

I remember being afraid of the Baba Yaga stories as a small child and in reading this one I can see that it is really quite macabre but it is a good fable. I love the illustrations in this one, they are simple but beautiful. ( )

This story is based on "The Magic Swan Geese" by Aleksandr Afanas'ev, and incorporates many of the traditional elements of the story without being scary. Things are set into motion when Elena neglects to watch her baby brother carefully, and he is abducted by a pair of black geese that belong to the evil witch, Baba Yaga. Elena assists a succession of animals en route to rescue her brother, and each gifts her with a magical object. During their escape from the witch, Elena uses these objects, which transfigure into obstacles and allow them to get safely home. The cut paper collage illustrations and the simplicity of the text make this a great read-aloud that should suit ages 4-8. ( )