Too Nice is sent by her evil sisters to accomplish an impossible task but a wise doll from her mother helps her meet the tests.

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of Thank You, Mr. Falker and Pink and Say. Baba Yaga is a witch famous throughout Russia for eating children, but this Babushka Baba Yaga is a lonely old woman who just wants a grandchild--to love. "Kids will respond to the joyful story of the outsider who gets to join in, and Polacco's richly patterned paintings of Russian peasant life on the edge of the woods are full of light and color." -- Booklist "A warm, lively tale, neatly mixing new and old and illustrated with Polacco's usual energetic action, bright folk patterns, and affectionate characterizations." --Kirkus Reviews

Too-Nice is sent by her sisters to fetch one of the witch Baba Yaga's jewelled toads. But in her pocket is a wise doll and with her advice, Too-Nice returns with a toad and the sisters don't get what they expected.

Too-Nice is sent by her sisters, Horrid and Very-Horrid, to fetch them one of the witch Baba Yaga's jewelled toads. But nothing is for nothing, and Baba Yaga sets her a number of seemingly impossible tasks: if she fails, she's done for. But deep in her pocket is a wise doll, a gift from her mother. With her advice, Too Nice returns to her sisters with a toad but the sisters don't get quite what they expected. .

Once upon a time, these stories of magical transformation were told to young women by their mothers and grandmothers and the wise women of the clan. The heroines of these old tales set out on a difficult road of trials to discover their true destiny. And marrying a prince was not the only goal. These ancient tales of wonder and adventure are about learning to be strong, brave, kind and true-hearted, and trusting in yourself to change the world for the better. -- Back cover.

A famous Russian fairy tale about a brave girl sent by her jealous stepsisters to fetch fire from old frightful witch Baba Yaga.

Baba Yaga is an old hag who lives in a house built on chicken legs and kidnaps small children. She is one of the most pervasive and powerful creatures in all mythology. She appears in many forms: as Pupa, a tricksy, cantankerous old woman who keeps her legs tucked into a huge furry boot; as a trio of mischievous elderly women who embark on the trip of a lifetime to a hotel spa; and as a villainous flock of ravens, black hens and magpies infected with the H5N1 virus. But what story does Baba Yaga have to tell us today? This is a quizzical tale about one of the most pervasive and powerful creatures in all mythology, and an extraordinary yarn of identity, secrets, storytelling and love.

Black geese are flying over little Elena's village, looking for children to snatch up for the witch Baba Yaga to feast upon. When her parents leave Elena in charge of her baby brother, she should be giving him her undivided attention. Instead, she runs off to play, leaving the baby alone in the yard. Brilliant color collages depict the fascinating elements of this gleefully macabre story, from Baba Yaga's bizarre house, which moves around on giant chicken feet, to the forest animals that help Elena outwit the witch.

Babushka's doll was special. She had played with it only once, when she was a little girl like her high-spirited granddaughter, Natasha. Now Babushka is going to the store and it's Natasha's turn to take the little doll down from the high shelf. When the naughty doll comes to life -- and is even more rambunctious than the little girl herself -- Natasha finds out why playing once with Babushka's doll is enough! Patricia Polacco's beautiful illustrations capture the warmth, humor, and timeless spirit of her magical tale.