VASILISA THE BEAUTIFUL

Illustrator : Morgunova, Anna
Size : 10,6” x 9,8”
Pages : 48
Information : Color throughout, laminated hardcover.
Price : US$ 19.99 / CA $23.99
ISBN : 978-988-8240-50-0

The art, so timeless and raw, offers a charged dream-life that suggests the primal nerve Vasilisa’s story strikes in Morgunova is far stronger than the lure of revisionism. – New York Times Book Review

 

Annual Wilde Awards Picture Books

 

“Bell’s retelling is classical as she recounts the Russian fairy tale heroine who conquers the terrifying Baba Yaga with the help of her magical doll. Anna Morgunova’s illustrations strengthen the story with image, symbolism and mood.” – Susie Wilde, Charlotte News & Observer

 

“The Russian tale of Vasilisa and Baba Yaga, reillustrated for a new generation....mesmerizing illustrations...Older children and art students will respond warmly.” – Kirkus Reviews

 

“This retelling of Vasilisa’s adventure takes a dreamlike turn with Morgunova’s eye-grabbing swirls of color….The prose and visuals work well together, with Bell’s matter-of-fact narrative complementing Morgunova’s beautiful but surreal illustrations.” – School Library Journal

 

“A clever, refreshing retelling of this Russian folktale that is magically illustrated, this selection is pure delight.” – Kendal Rautzhan, nationally syndicated newspaper column

 

“I was elated this fall to discover that a brand-new, hardcover version of Vasilisa the Beautiful — the crowning tale of the collection I love — has been published, in a fine translation by Anthea Bell, gorgeously illustrated by Anna Morgunova with full-page panels that burst with tomato reds, piney greens, cobalt and cerulean blues, gold and saffron. Morgunova’s collagist compositions recall Klimt and Chagall; and she enriches their backdrops with floral and animal elements. – Liesl Schlessinger, Barnes & Noble Review and The Christian Science Monitor

 

“Morgunova’s rich and otherworldly illustrations supply this book with scads of magical elements….Each of Morgunoa’s full-page illustrations have surreal qualities and distinctive color palettes…Morgunova creates the ideal companion for Vasilisa: a soulful tsar able to float with her through the skies.  A rich, compelling introduction to another culture’s version of a familiar tale.” Abby Nolan, Booklist

 

A clever, refreshing retelling of this Russian folktale that is magically illustrated, this selection is pure delight. – Kendal Rautzhan, Books to Borrow, Books to Buy syndicated column