For the child who feels a little lost and dreams of a place to belong, this enchanting tale offers the comfort of finding family and uncovering hidden wonders.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider or is navigating a new family situation. This enchanting story is for any child who has ever felt lonely and longed for a place to truly belong. Twelve-year-old orphan Mary is adopted by the mysterious Madame Z and brought to a strange, isolated mansion full of secrets, including a tiny door by the staircase. It's a clever retelling of the Slavic Baba Yaga myth, blending classic fantasy with a heartfelt emotional core. The book gently explores themes of loneliness, found family, and self-reliance, making it perfect for readers 8-12. It's an excellent choice for a child who loves atmospheric mysteries and magical adventures that provide both comfort and a sense of empowerment.
Deals with the loneliness of being an orphan and the longing for a family.
Sensitive Topics
The core of the story is orphanhood and the deep-seated desire for a family. This theme is handled directly and with sensitivity. The peril Mary faces is fantastical and magical, not realistic abuse. The resolution is deeply hopeful, emphasizing the power of a chosen or "found" family. The story is secular but rooted in Slavic folklore.
Ideal Reader
This book is perfect for a thoughtful 8- to 12-year-old who enjoys classic fantasy with a mysterious, atmospheric tone, like The Secret Garden. It will especially resonate with a child who feels a bit different or is grappling with questions of identity and family, particularly children in adoptive or foster situations.
Parent Prep
No advance preparation is needed. The story is self-contained and explains any necessary folklore. Parents could preview the chapters where Mary is in the most direct peril (Chapters 21-23), but the tone remains age-appropriate and focused on her cleverness rather than on fear. A parent might seek this book after hearing their child say, "I feel like I don't belong anywhere," or witnessing their child struggle with loneliness after a move or a significant family change. It's for the child who needs a story that validates their feelings while offering hope and empowerment.
Age Experience
Younger readers (8-9) will be captivated by the magic: the talking bullfrog, the house on chicken legs, and the suspense of the mystery. Older readers (10-12) will connect more profoundly with Mary's internal journey, her complex relationship with Madame Z, and the nuanced themes of what truly constitutes a family.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many fantasy novels that rely on chosen-one tropes or innate magical powers, this story celebrates a protagonist whose greatest strengths are her practicality, intelligence, and quiet resolve. Its unique reimagining of the Baba Yaga myth from a place of empathy and complexity gives it a fresh voice that feels both timeless and modern.
Read plot summary
Twelve-year-old orphan Mary Hayes is adopted by the enigmatic Madame Z and taken to live in her grand, isolated mansion, which has a habit of moving. Mary quickly realizes her new guardian may be the legendary witch Baba Yaga and that she is not the first orphan to live there. With the help of a charming, talking bullfrog named Jacob, Mary must use her intelligence and courage to uncover the house's secrets, discover the fate of the boy who came before her, and forge her own path to find the family she's always wanted.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Madame Z is a complicated character. Do you think she is a villain, a hero, or something in between? Why do you think she acts the way she does?
2
Mary solves problems using her cleverness and observation skills, not with magic. What were some of the smartest things she did to figure out the mystery of the house?
3
At the end of the book, Mary, Jacob, and Madame Z form their own unique family. What do you think makes a group of people a family?
4
If you could ask Jacob the bullfrog one question about his life before he met Mary, what would it be?
