Kimmel, Eric. BABA YAGA: A Russian Folktale. Ill. by Megan Lloyd. New
York, NY: Holiday House. 1991.
ISBN: 9780823408542
Summary
of Plot:
A young girl, Marina, has been born with a horn on her forehead.
Marina is mistreated by her father’s wife and stepsister and is forced to be a
servant in her own home when her father does not return home. One day Marina is
set to the wicked witch, Baba Yaga. Along the way she meets a frog who offers
her some friendly advice, which saves her from the witch and replaces the horn
on the forehead of her unkind step sister.
Critical
Analysis:
Kimmel’s adaption of Baba
Yaga clearly reflects the theme of good triumphing over evil. Readers
quickly empathize with Marina because of the loss she has suffered, the horn on
her head, and the dreadful stepmother and stepsister that she must endure. The
story’s ending brings new and happy beginnings for Marina and reveals a
not-so-delightful fate for her stepmother and stepsister.
Kimmel’s portrayal of the good character, Marina, is unique in that
he describes her with a horn on her head. This portrayal is visually different
from the Cinderella because the horn is so unfortunate for Marina.
The illustrations help to keep the book light and appropriate for
young readers. Upon hearing the story orally one might visualize a scary witch,
but the illustrations set an appropriate tone and still reveal the true nature
of the characters.
Reviews
and Awards:
“Kimmel's ( Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins ) waggish, well-turned
retelling of this popular legend contains the requisite elements of classic
folktales.”—Publishers Weekly
Caldecott Award winning author
Connections:
*Compare and Contrast Cinderella and Marina.
*During reading list elements of folktales as seen Kimmel’s
adaptation of Baba Yaga
*Complete a story map for Kimmel’s Baba Yaga
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