A Question of Magic

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. (Oct.)