A Question of Magic

August 19, 2013
Baker (The Wide Awake Princess) continues to weave enchanting new stories out of fairy tale lore, this time pairing the legend of Baba Yaga with a strong-willed heroine. Serafina is happy with the life she leads in her small village, spending time with her family and Alek, the best friend she has fallen in love with. Then a letter from a mysterious relative arrives, promising Serafina an inheritance; when Serafina goes to claim it, everything changes. Serafina becomes the new Baba Yaga, a witch cursed to answer any question honestly, though a person can only ask her one question in a lifetime. Now Serafina is stuck living alone in a cottage that scurries around on chicken feet, with only talking skulls and an immortal cat for company, and townsfolk seeking her wisdom on a regular basis. Each answer Serafina gives ages her, and only a magical blue rose tea can reverse the process. Serafina’s longing to return home and her desire to use her powers for good combine create a sympathetic character in this neatly plotted and satisfying fairy tale. Ages 8–14.

February 1, 2014

Gr 3-6-When Serafina's great-aunt Sylanna invites her to claim her inheritance, the girl's life is changed forever. Traveling to find her long-lost relative, Fina learns instead that she has inherited the title of Baba Yaga and the power to answer questions, no matter how complex, with words and a voice, over which she has no control. Resistant to her new position, she tries unsuccessfully to escape both the chicken-legged flying cottage that is now her home and the talking skulls and magical cat that inhabit it. However, when she discovers the newfound wisdom she acquires with each response, she succumbs to her fate. Meanwhile, her sweetheart, Alek, vows to bring her home. Fina-Baba Yaga instructs him on how to achieve that goal and is then kidnapped. Despite wars and other difficulties, Alek succeeds in his quest, and Fina, escaping her captors, returns to him and happily passes on her powers to her friend Dielle-the next Baba Yaga. While details of medieval life anchor the story in its realistic setting, its juxtaposition with a fantasy world inhabited by giants and fairies brings a different, broader dimension to the tale. Baker includes just enough sorcery to add a bit of intrigue and tension, and there are enough well-plotted twists and turns to keep interest high. The dialogue is fluid and often abounds with humor, especially in Fina's conversations with both her visitors and her skulls. Although she is the only truly well-developed character, both Dielle and Alek have enough mettle to prevent them from becoming mere caricatures. This amusing title is sure to win the hearts of girls who crave an active protagonist.-Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, formerly at LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

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