Vasilisa the Beautiful: A Russian Folktale

A modern retelling of a classic folk tale brought to life through vivid, rich artwork

When Vasilisa’s mother dies, she leaves behind a magical doll to look after Vasilisa in times of distress. And distress is close at hand when Vasilisa’s father remarries, and her new stepmother and stepsisters send her on an errand to the terrifying witch Baba Yaga, who has an appetite for anything that enters the deep, dark forest. But with her fearlessness and her magical doll, Vasilisa not only passes Baba Yaga’s arduous tests, but she also obtains the magic she needs to free herself from a life of servitude. This enchanting retelling of a classic Russian folk tale is brought to spectacular life by Anna Morgunova’s breathtaking art.

Anthea Bell is an award-winning translator who has translated numerous Cornelia Funke novels and many Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen stories, includingThe Pied Piper of Hamelin and The Snow Queen.

Anna Morgunova is an award-winning children’s book illustrator

 “The Russian tale of Vasilisa and Baba Yaga, reillustrated for a new generation....mesmerizing illustrations...Older children and art students will respond warmly.” – Kirkus Reviews

“This retelling of Vasilisa’s adventure takes a dreamlike turn with Morgunova’s eye-grabbing swirls of color….The prose and visuals work well together, with Bell’s matter-of-fact narrative complementing Morgunova’s beautiful but surreal illustrations.” – School Library Journal

The art, so timeless and raw, offers a charged dream-life that suggests the primal nerve Vasilisa’s story strikes in Morgunova is far stronger than the lure of revisionism. – New York Times Book Review

 "A clever, refreshing retelling of this Russian folktale that is magically illustrated, this selection is pure delight". – Kendal Rautzhan, Books to Borrow, Books to Buy syndicated column