The House With Chicken Legs

About this book

An extraordinary retelling of the Baba Yaga myth, this debut novel will wrap itself around your heart and never let go.

All 12-year-old Marinka wants is a friend. A real friend. Not like her house with chicken legs. Sure, the house can play games like tag and hide-and-seek, but Marinka longs for a human companion. Someone she can talk to and share secrets with.

But that's tough when your grandmother is a Yaga, a guardian who guides the dead into the afterlife. It's even harder when you live in a house that wanders all over the world . . . carrying you with it. Even worse, Marinka is being trained to be a Yaga. That means no school, no parties — and no playmates that stick around for more than a day.

So when Marinka stumbles across the chance to make a real friend, she breaks all the rules . . . with devastating consequences. Her beloved grandmother mysteriously disappears, and it's up to Marinka to find her — even if it means making a dangerous journey to the afterlife.

With a mix of whimsy, humour, and adventure, this debut novel will wrap itself around your heart and never let go.

Reviews

Praise for The House with Chicken Legs:

* "Heartbreaking, uplifting, and absolutely beautiful." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

* "A thoughtfully crafted, macabre masterpiece for middle grade readers, this debut novel also has the read-aloud appeal of a beloved folk or fairy tale." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"This stellar selection will be an inspiring fit for fantasy lovers, but will also be just right for all those hoping to discover their own destiny!" -- School Library Connection

"Readers...will be charmed by and envious of a house that by turns acts as magical playmate, responsive transportation, and forgiving friend." -- BCCB