Baba Yaga's Assistant - Marika McCoola
After Masha's emotionally distant father remarries, she leaves home to answer an help wanted ad placed by Baba Yaga. Her only mother figure, her grandmother, has passed away; as a child she escaped from Baba Yaga using charms and her wits, and tells Masha the stories. Masha soon encounters the witch, who appears ferocious and unpredictable and asks her to undergo some tests; using her grandmother's wisdom, Masha acquits herself well. But then the old witch appears with three children she'd like cooked for dinner — including Masha's new stepsister. It's at turns a spooky and witty tale. Masha's family issues are meant to be poignant, but the volume is too slim for it to have much impact. This is a fun modern fairy tale, for older kids. [3.5]
