The House with Chicken Legs

An imaginative tale with some unusual characters. The setting was able to change frequently which led to the main character's adventures. The personification was good and there were some good discussion points that would be appropriate for Y4 up.

JTFernhurst

A story about a girl who knows she is different to everyone else, how she strives to be the 'same' and what it costs her. A valuable lesson about being careful what you wish for and having to live the the consequences of your actions.

MrsB@Underwood2013

I found this book very moving. Marinka's longing for connection with the living was effectively portrayed. I felt great empathy for Marinka; the author did a terrific job of putting you in Marinka's shoes and making you feel as conflicted as Marinka does over whether she must follow a path set out for her or follow her own desires. The final third of the book had me sobbing - not only while I was reading the story, but also as I was recounting it to my daughter later. The relationship between Marinka and the house was beautifully written. The sacrifices made by Yaga and the house really spoke to my experience of maternal love. I couldn't recommend this book enough.

CRCwinter

A really imaginative and unusual story - not my usual genre but I really enjoyed this. Recommend to all.

AnnaCvijetic

This is a fascinating book- full of surprise but I also found this sad to read in lots of places- I liked the ending!

VCook1978

I loving look at death, loss and life, this books is a great way to show children the idea of the inevitable idea of mortality. Malinka likes with Baba, her grandmother and their house has chicken legs. The house can move whenever it feels the need to and has its own personality and life. Malinka is going to be the next guardian for the gate which allows the dead to journey to the stars. It is her destiny. However, Malinka is not too thrilled by the prospect of only being friends with the dead and strive to have a life of her own. A lovely book which I would recommend to children 11 and above.

Xulizuzu1

I loving look at death, loss and life, this books is a great way to show children the idea of the inevitable idea of mortality. Malinka likes with Baba, her grandmother and their house has chicken legs. The house can move whenever it feels the need to and has its own personality and life. Malinka is going to be the next guardian for the gate which allows the dead to journey to the stars. It is her destiny. However, Malinka is not too thrilled by the prospect of only being friends with the dead and strive to have a life of her own. A lovely book which I would recommend to children 11 and above.

Xulizuzu1

This story explores themes such as being an outsider, loneliness and loss sensitively and with imagination. The central character displays a convincing mixture of conflicting emotions. The house has its own personality which the author gets across without dialogue, through its "body language". This book has inspired me to seek out some traditional tales of Baba Yaga.

Readforjoy

Loved it! I have an interest in Russian literature and culture and so I knew about Baba Yaga but I loved the storytelling and the discussion about life and death.

RobFirth

Fiction book, felt sympathy for the protagonist. Loved the twist half way through - did not see that coming.

MissTaylor

This book repeatedly took me by surprise as the child in me, who still fears death, was soothed by components of the story. I found to be very relatable Marinka's feelings of loss and bereavement, and opened my heart to the wonderful idea that all of the dead are met at The Gate by the nurturing Baba in order to have their life celebrated, their worries listened to, and to eventually transition on a journey to the stars with greater inner peace. I recommend this book as I wanted to keep finding time in my day to progress through the story line.

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Really enjoys this book.

78nellarj

It took a while to get into but I was then gripped to the end.

Hilll01

I wpuld recommend this really good book.. This book is about a house which acts as a playmate and a special friend to Marinka who.is on a truly magical journey. Parts of he story are sad because Marinka loses her Baba( grandmother and tries really hard to bring her back. Unfortunately it's too late and her grandmother is lost forever.

[email protected]

I've always been fascinated by the Baba Yaga story and loved the twist with this story. The imagery and descriptions are so well written.

MrsMcMurdo

Wow!! What a book, beautiful story and so every dark and challenging themes. This book will stay In my heart forever 💗

sbrinkworth

This was a fantastic read! It covered a range of difficult themes - death, loneliness, love and betrayal - in such a comforting way, which many children would be able to resonate with. I was totally blown away by the descriptions which truly made me feel like I was a part of the story. It is full of suspense and adventure, where I was certainly eager to keep reading more - it was hard to put down! I would definitely recommend this title as a staple in every UKS2 classroom.

SLONGNEY

Very enjoyable fantasy read - I like that Marinka has flaws and quirks of personality, it makes her story relatable and adds depth to the characterisation. The book deftly deals with themes of loss and personal agency with humour and empathy. I found the role of the house was written with great pathos. A modern retelling of a fairytale / folk tale. I would recommend.

NiamhSav

This book is a must read, it had a plot twist half way through that I did not see coming and I read the whole book in one afternoon! Cannot wait to share it with my class.

hannahlock

The story was not what I expected from the title! I really enjoyed this book - it explored some deep and emotional concepts through a fantasy world that really allowed the imagination to run wild.

mooninabluesky