Sweet, lovely Vasilisa lives with her jealous stepmother and stepsisters on the edge of a dark forest inhabited by the evil witch, Baba Yaga. One night the stepmother sends Vasilisa to visit Baba Yaga, an errand from which the gentle girl has little chance of returning alive. In this lush romantic version of an old Russian fairy tale, good eventually triumphs over evil with the aid of a mother’s love and a magic doll. In this story, the terrible witch Baba Yaga, is truly scary. Her hut is made of human bones and she has lived, forever, deep in the dark forest. The fencepost surrounding her house has a "a hollow-eyed skull”.

The illustrations are elaborate, borders simply beautiful. This story is not for the youngest Cinderella fans. While Vasilisa survives her encounter with the witch, her family does not.

Definitely recommended for it’s strangely enticing text, haunting illustrations and unique “we reap what we sow” viewpoint.

From School Library Journal-
“An engaging text and accomplished paintings set this version apart A stylized and classy offering.”

From Publishers Weekly-
“…this adaptation focuses on the heroine's bravery rather than her beauty, a distinction that may be important to some.”