Yanka has never known where she comes from, having been found as a baby by Mamochka who then raised her. Never quite feeling like she fits in in the village (she's known as Yanka the Bear as she's so much taller than the others), she has always longed to know about her past. When she wakes after a fall to discover there is something very different, she determines to head into the forest in search of answers. With a host of animal friends to help her, can Yanka discover what she yearns to know?
K's opinion:
I don't think my meagre words can possibly do justice to this stunning book but I'm going to give it a go...
This book fizzles with magical beauty and there's a calmness to the writing that welcomes you in and wraps you in a warm embrace. It's a perfectly woven mix of traditional tales and Yanka's story which, together, very much give the book a timeless quality (I already know that this book will still be being read many years from now). As the story unfolds, the pace gathers and the excitement builds, leading towards a powerful message at the end of the book that I believe every child (and adult) needs to read and understand. The book is very much about family, friendship, being brave and finding yourself, and you see Yanka find strength in herself as you turn the pages: as the story unfolds, so does her courage. As for Mousetrap, why he just makes the perfect companion and the appearance of a house with chicken legs just goes to show that, in stories, as in life, some paths are destined to cross.
If you only read one book this year, please, please make it this one! Sophie has just proved herself to be one of life's word magicians and I can't wait to welcome her into school in September so the children can fall under her spell!
O's opinion:
I think that everyone, at some stage of their life, will be able to relate to Yanka's story: not thinking they fit in, then finding themselves; and when it comes to tackling problems, I know that some people choose to stay at home and talk, however, Yanka heads off into the forest instead: a very unorthodox way of approaching problems! Throughout the book, I loved Yanka more and more: from saving Yuri to helping Sascha. I loved how she never gave up trying to find who she was, even when it became really tough and she had to go miles on her own, without any company apart from her pet, Mousetrap. In some ways more than others, we should all be like Yanka: facing fears with friends.
I really enjoyed this book and when it comes out in September, it should be on everyone's wish-list.
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