Title: Babushka Baba Yaga
Author/ Illustrator: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Philomel Books
ISBN: 0-399-22531-5
Summary: The forest creature Baba Yaga is considered to be an evil witch, but she feels misunderstood. Wishing for a grandchild of her own, she disguises herself as a babushka (grandmother) and offers her help to Natasha, a single mother whose son has no babushka. But, when Baba Yaga’s foster grandson is scared by tales of the forest witch, she flees lest he discover the truth about her. Only when danger threatens her foster family does the Baba Yaga reveal her true identity.
Butterfly’s notes: There are many tales about the Russian witch, Baba Yaga Bony Legs. This story shows a much softer side of the Baba Yaga that is compeltely loveable. You can’t help but sympathize with her as a social outcast and rooting for her in her disguise as a babushka. I love the drawings too!
For a more traditional Baba Yaga story, try reading Baba Yaga Bony Legs in Magical Tales From Many Lands.
Categories: ages 7-9, ages 10-12, fairy tales, fantasy, mythology and legends, picture books, re-thinking fairy tales, profound messages
