Bony-Legs

Dispatched by her mother to fetch a needle and thread, Sasha finds her way to the home of Bony-Legs, a terrible child-eating witch whose house in the forest rests on chicken feet. Here her actions in oiling the gate and feeding the dog and cat are repaid, as each aid her when she must escape the witch, intent on cooking her. Fleeing through the now silent gate, Sasha uses the mirror and comb given to her by the cat and dog to create obstacles for the witch - the mirror is transformed into a lake, the comb into a massive barrier - and thereby making it safely home...

Although author Joanna Cole does not include any author's note to that effect, Bony-Legs is a retelling of the classic Russian folktale of Baba Yaga and the Little Girl, show more which has many variants. The language is simple - this is as much an early reader as a picture-book - but nevertheless expressive, and Cole manages to spin an engrossing story, despite the limited lexicon necessitated by the early reader format. The artwork by Dirk Zimmer, who also illustrated Alvin Schwartz's In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories, is deliciously creepy, and captures the suspense of the story. I was torn in rating this, as I found it quite engaging, but was also genuinely irritated by the fact that Cole didn't include any mention of source material. This robs the child of the knowledge that he or she is reading a story from another culture, and prevents them from seeking other stories about the eponymous figure - the terrifying Baba Yaga. Hopefully adult caregivers will be more knowledgable, and fill in that information. show less

This is about an old witch who wants to eat a little girl for dinner. The cat, dog, and an old gate save her from the witch. This book, on one hand, could seem scary to young children. However, children a little older would appreciate the story. The characters are described well and the ending is left somewhat open as to what ever happens to the witch.

This book is based off a Russian folktale named Baba Yaga. It reminded me of Hansel and Gretel. About a girl who goes through the forest to borrow a needle and a spool of thread for her mother. She reached Bony-legs house who is an mean which with bony legs. The witch's cat, dog, and gate help her escape and she is never to be heard from again. This book is an early reader chapter book and has a message about being kind and taking care of people, as well as belongings.

This eerily illustrated book would be a good Halloween read-aloud, or as an addition to a study of classic creepy stories, or folk tales. It teaches a simple lesson of kindness and the golden rule.

A russian folk tale about a girl who enters a witches house that is on chicken legs. This girl is able to outsmart the witch by using common sense and the help from those around her.

A classic tale about an old witch who likes to eat children. One day a young girl named Sasha comes to her house to borrow a needle and thread for her mother. Bony-Legs brings her inside and tells her to wash up so she can eat her. Luckily, because of her kind nature, Sasha is saved by a cat and dog who help her escape the old witch and never having to see her again. This story is a great reminder to take care of others because whether or not they will give you something in return, your good actions will be rewarded in the end.

A Russian Folk Tale about the witch Bony Legs. Bony Legs has iron teeth, lives in the woods in a house with chicken legs, and likes to eat little children. On the edge of the woods lives a little girl named Sasha. One day Sasha's aunt sends her out to borrow some needle and thread. Sasha takes some food with her on her walk in the woods. She comes to the house of bony legs, Her acts of kindness at the house of Bony Legs is what helps her escape from the witch. A subtle message that one should not mistreat animals etc.