Baba Yaga’s Assistant

Baba Yaga’s Assistant

By Marika McCoola

Published by Candlewick

Another book from the “books I like but not as much as other books” pile. The story is an odd one indeed, even a bit childish. The main character is Masha, whose father (a widower) is kindling a relationship with someone who is not important who has a daughter who is a brat. Masha’s grandma recently passed away, so teenage angst is at an all time high for her. But then she sees an ad in the newspaper posted by the mythical Baba Yaga, requesting an assistant. So Masha goes out into the woods and seeks employment.

This book has some glaring issues. So let’s list them. The first is that the amount of times they go back to the original story is ridiculous and unnecessary.  I got the point, and didn’t need it hammered home repeatedly. The second is that the story thinks that it has this deep backstory involving the grandmother and Baba Yaga, but it doesn’t end up feeling that deep. The story is shallow and childish. Not that the book is without its charms. I love the art style and Masha and the grandmother are okay characters, its just the book is aimed at a younger audience then me, so Its flaws are more obvious.

TLDR: 6/10

Should you purchase a copy: Sure, but it's more for younger readers