Babushka Baba Yaga
Author Patricia Polacco
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Babushka Baba Yaga
Patricia Polacco
Philomel Books, 1993
ISBN 0-399-22531-5
Ideal for Ages 4-8
5 out of 5 Stars on Amazon.com
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Reviewed by Anna Stewart
Challenges: Looking different, preconceptions, rumors
Tip: Baba Yaga is the Russian version of the wicked witch in the woods. Read other Baba Yaga tales to compare both the different Russian interpretations as well as how she compares to witches in Grimm’s and other fairly tales.
Baba Yaga is isolated and lonely. The villagers fear her because she lives and looks differently then they do. But she has dreams just like they do. Baba Yaga wants to be a babushka, a grandmother who takes care of grandchildren. Disguised, she befriends a poor single mother and becomes a babushka to young Victor.
She lovingly cares for him until one day when the other babushkas start scaring the children with tales of the mean and hateful Baba Yaga who eats babies. Fearing he will find out the tales are about her, she leaves her new family.
Baba Yaga finds acceptance when she rescues Victor from wolves and the villagers realize that they have judged her unjustly.
Rich with detailed illustrations depicting village Russian life; Polacco tells her tale from the Baba Yaga perspective, allowing readers to see her as a whole person, not as a witch. Led by Victor, who recognizes her heart, though not her face, this lovely tale will stay with everyone who reads it.
Polacco, who suffered from undiagnosed dyslexia for many years, truly understands what it’s like to be shunned and the blessings of being accepted.
Purchase Book on Amazon.com
Babushka Baba Yaga; $6.99
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