Multilayered and rich and humorous and magical. Set in early 20th century Russia, this is the story of peasant Elena and wealthy Ekaterina, and how a trip to see the Tsar's godson and a damaged train track and a Faberge egg cause them to step into each other's lives. Part comedy of errors and part world-saving quest, the tale involves so many fanciful twists and turns that it is a pleasure to just sit back and keep turning pages. Maguire puts his own original spin on Baba Yaga, the child-eating witch of folklore, and she absolutely steals the show. One of my favorite lines, indicative of the author's delightful way with words, involves the introduction of Ekaterina's traveling companion: "(Great-Aunt Sophia) was a huge leathery bellows of an old cow wallowing in silken circumstance."Highly recommended for upper elementary, middle school, high school. A fanciful story set in Russia with more fun and whimsy than his adult fairy tale series. An inadvertent role reversal gives Elena the opportunity to pose as Ekatrina, a wealthy girl on her way to meet the prince. Elena hopes to persuade the monarch to release her brother and find a way to save her sick mother. Ekatrina, thrust into a world of poverty, engages the help of Baba Yaga to set things right.
What do You think about Egg & Spoon (2014)?
excellent!! I would never think of Baba Yaga other than as Miss Yaga ;)
—Dani
Charming and whimsical but just never really caught me.
—gigglechild7
