Marinka has lived her whole live in the house with chicken legs but, at the start of the book, she knows that the house isn't feeling itself; she's just not sure why. She decides that organising a guiding will help it feel better, but during the event, The Gate that allows the dead to move on towards the stars grows wider and wider, sucking everything in the room through it. When it becomes too dangerous, Marinka and her friends are forced onto the terrace. Before anybody can do anything, the house gets up and runs ... and runs. What follows is a journey across distant lands for the house, Marinka, Benjamin and Jack in search of answers.
Oh gosh, where do I start? I guess by saying that it was simply wonderful to be back with Marinka and The House again. I absolutely adored The House With Chicken Legs (you can read my review here) so of course, the opportunity to read any early copy of the sequel brought huge amounts of excitement.
Both Marinka and The House are just as I remembered them but The House in particular is clearly struggling. Beginning the book was like catching up with old friends and it was a joy to spend more time with them. Things have changed since the end of the first book and both are coming to terms with these changes.
This book is a journey of discovery for so many reasons, some that are evident as the house first flees, and some that only become apparent at different stages of the journey. Initially, it feels like the journey is one to find and help the house, but it quickly becomes clear that time away is an exploration for Marinka and Benjamin too, discovering things about the past as well as helping to make decisions about the future (I'm remaining vague so I don't give any spoilers away). However, I will say that I sobbed through the end of the book (I highly recommend having tissues ready) but it left me with a warm glow in my heart.
I adore Marinka and it has been an absolute pleasure to spend more time with her - she has an inner strength even she doesn't see at times. Her friendship with Benjamin is as strong as ever and I'm so pleased they got to make this journey together, both discover things about themselves and readers.
Beautiful story-telling mixes traditional folk-tales with love and just a sprinkling of adventure in The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away. It's a warm welcome to old friends and new; it's about learning how to say goodbye, as well as embracing the new; it's about facing fears and embracing friendship - it's an utter joy to read.
The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away publishes on the 19th April.
Usborne are running a UK-only pre-order campaign for The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away where you can get your hands on a limited-edition badge pack and stunning artwork print, with foiled signatures from Sophie Anderson and Elisa Paganelli. All you have to do is pre-order The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away before the 8th April and email proof to Usborne's marketing department (marketing@usborne.co.uk).
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