The Black Geese: A Baba Yaga Story From Russia - Hardcover

Alison Lurie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0789425580 ISBN 13: 9780789425584

Publisher: Dk Ink, 1999

Synopsis

When her little brother is taken away by the black geese belonging to the terrible witch, Baba Yaga, Elena searches for him in the great dark forest. By the author of The Heavenly Zoo.

About this title

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 3This picture-book retelling of a folktale features vivid collages, a strong female protagonist, and a suitably comic villain in the guise of Baba Yaga. Elenas parents leave her in charge of her baby brother and warn her that the witchs black geese will snatch him if she leaves the house. When Elena becomes bored and takes her brother outside, the inevitable happens. She then sets out to rescue the child and, with the help of a fish, a squirrel, and a mouse, she is able to bring him home just in time for her parents return. Based on The Magic Swan-Geese from Aleksandr Afanasyevs classic Russian Fairy Tales (Pantheon, 1976), this tale is also included in Luries Clever Gretchen and Other Forgotten Folktales (Crowell, 1980; o.p.). Readers who are already familiar with the character will recognize many details in this retelling, including Baba Yagas house on chicken feet and her ability to chew up trees with her sharp teeth. However, one notable difference in Luries version is that the Baba Yaga role is enlarged so that she becomes a full-fledged main character. The emphasis in Souhamis complementary illustrations is on shape and color rather than texture or shading and bring to mind the minimalism of a flannel-board story. While there are some scary moments, the outrageous witch, perpetually happy baby, and soothing tan backgrounds defuse much of the trauma. Equally well suited for independent readers or sharing aloud.Denise Anton Wright, Alliance Library System, Bloomington, IL
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Baba Yaga, the powerful hag of Russian folklore, comes to spine-tingling life in Lurie's (The Heavenly Zoo) lean, suspenseful retelling of a well-loved tale. When her parents must go to market, Elena is left at home to look after her baby brother. In the Russia of old, baby-sitting also means keeping watch for Baba Yaga's black geese, which snatch children for their mistress to eat. Elena lets her attention wander and soon her brother is astride one of the black geese, winging its way to Baba Yaga's dinner table. In hot pursuit of the baby, Elena passes three creatures in need, and though she doesn't want to tarry, Elena takes time to aid the fish, squirrel and mouse. As in most folktales, the magic gifts from the grateful creatures eventually repay her kindness and help Elena outmaneuver Baba Yaga. Souhami's (Rama and the Demon King) cut-paper collage illustrations feature a rich watercolor palette, spryly accented with pen and ink. The building blocks of her art are simple geometric shapes, arranged with sophistication. The characters' hands, for example, don't quite meet the arms, and the arms don't quite meet the torsosAthe result is a loose-jointed and dynamic look suggestive of a skillfully worked marionette show. A fresh new take on a perennial favorite. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

While playful Elena carelessly neglects her baby brother, the Black Geese snatch him away to the lair of Baba Yaga, the fearful witch of the forest. But before the baby can be served for Baba Yaga's supper, Elena rushes into the forest to rescue him. Along the way she is detained by cries of help from a grounded fish, a trapped squirrel, and a stranded mouse. Elena takes the time to assist each of the animals, who, in turn, reward her with unusual gifts that will help her in a time of need. And Elena is soon in need: clutching the baby, she flees from the rapidly pursuing witch. Each of the animals' gifts slows the witch down, allowing Elena and her brother to escape. This familiar tale is illustrated in bold colors that are cut into geometric shapes and patterned into dynamic collages. Inspired by Russian folk art, the double-page illustrations feature touches of pen and watercolor on the cut papers to lend detail and depth to the vibrant art. A standout for storytelling as well as for one-on-one sharing. Ellen Mandel

Edition details

• Publisher: Dk Ink
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0789425580
• ISBN 13: 9780789425584
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Jessica Souhami
• Number of pages: 32