Baba Yaga - by An Leysen (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Baba Yaga, the witch from Slavonic mythology is coming alive in this fairy tale. An Leysen draws you into an imaginative story about a wicked witch and a sweet and brave little girl. For children ages 5 and up.

Once upon a time, in a land far away from here, lived a girl named Olga. Olga lived with her father in a beautiful house, and they were very happy together. Until Olga's father, one day fell in love again ... His new wife was cruel and mean. And her sister Baba Yaga, who lived in a dark forest, was even meaner. Baba Yaga was a witch! It was said that she was fond of children ... for dinner! One day Olga's stepmother sent her to Baba Yaga. What was she supposed to do now?

"The illustrations are absolutely fabulous and the book is worth reading just for those alone." - Yellowstone Library

Review Quotes

Amazing stories, incredible illustrations, what else is there to ask for? A great addition to our children's department!" -- Mary Preka, Bookstore Politeia

Leyson, whose previous retellings include The Nutcracker and Pinocchio's Dream, recounts the legend of the witch Baba Yaga through dramatic text and richly textured mixed-media illustrations....The larger-than-life artwork should make for shivery read-alouds on the way to the story's happy ending. - Publishers Weekly

The illustrations in this book are wonderful. They make the story seem magical and Olga is such a beautiful little girl. A great book when studying fairytales, especially if looking at ones from various cultures and lands. I would recommend this book to public, school and class libraries. -- Carla Johnson-Hicks, Primary school educator

...just scary enough without going too far for little ones. I highly recommend this book for a wonderful story time! -- Jen Trower, Librarian, Tidewater Community College/City of Virginia Beach

One of the wonderful things about fairytale retellings is the way they each feel unique. While Leysen sticks to a fairly traditional retelling, the illusrations are lovely and have a dreamy quality that keep the book from feeling as scary as it could be. -- Shawna Herron, Columbia City Community Library

The illustrations are absolutely fabulous and the book is worth reading just for those alone. -- Jessica Gerdes, Yellowstone Library

Charming Illustrations and a story that's suitable for kids. -- Kelly Garbato, Vegan Daemon

"Absolutely beautiful....The illustrations, font choice, placement on the page, use of space, etc., are perfect. The story itself is also superb, and will be filed away in children's minds. I am very much looking forward to using this in a storytime setting....a beautiful retelling of a classic Slavic folktale; highly recommended for read alouds, one-on-one storytime, and independent reading." -- Jessica Rodrigues, Steger-South Chicago Heights Public Library

"A wonderful addition to a classroom unit of fairytales and legends, or just for sharing.... I think the illustrations are what really sold it to me, with their soft ethereal feel. A delightful book for sharing a fairy tale that some might not be familiar with." -- Sharon Tyler, Cheshire Public Library, Sharon the Librarian blog

Wonderful story and gorgeous illustrations!" --As the Page Turns blog

An astounding recreation with a touch of modernity given to a classic Russian folklore, this book is absolutely breathtaking! Having read some lovely Russian myth-tales as a kid I`m always on the hunt for some good new publications for my kids, but rarely find anything fresh.And this one is one of those; a simplified version without twists written in clear prose and rhyme. Its anime inspired and beautiful, soft pastel shaded illustrations may make you pause at every page turn....Kids will return to this-one again and again!!" -- Picks and Reads for Kids blog

About the Author