Reviews: (by author)

Maguire, Gregory. The Dream Stealer. New York: Clarion Books, 2002. $15.00. ISBN: 0-618-18188-1.

Maguire draws on the Russian folktales of "Vasilissa the Beautiful," "Baba Yaga," and "The Firebird" in this playful story. Pasha and Lisette live in the poor Russian town of Miersk that is suffering economic hardships due to rumors of the Blood Prince. After the young friends fail to grab a tail feather from the elusive firebird, the townsfolk become fearful of the bad omen this signifies. In an effort to save the town, the two children set out to find Baba Yaga, their only hope at finding the key to defeating the Blood Prince.

Baba Yaga steals the show in this book. Her walking house with giant chicken legs and her lack of patience with the stubborn old folk bring a touch of humor to the frightening situation in which the villagers of Miersk find themselves.

Recommended.

K.C. June '03

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