Geraldin e McCaughrean"s Grandma Chickenlegs is one of the most appealing fairy stories you are likely to read. In a delightfully poetic retelling of the Baba Yaga story, the horror and fear of Grandma Chickenlegs is brought to life in sharp, lyrical prose: Around the garden, on four scratching, paltry poultry legs ran the bleak shack. Its fence was made from whitening bones, the gateposts topped with skulls. The front door swung on its hinges squealing like a thing in pain. Its keyhole gnashed tiny, tinny teeth.As Tatia is cast out by her wicked stepmother and sent to Grandma Chickenlegs, all hope seems to be lost. Grandma Chickenlegs promises Tatia a silver needle in return for a night"s weaving, only to secretly instruct her cat and dog to prepare Tatia for dinner. But the unassuming Tatia shows the animals, and the enchanted elm tree, such kindness that they refuse to keep Tatia prisoner and instead help her make her escape.Vibrant pictures fulfil all the promise of the colourful cover and bring to life the scared little Tatia and frightening Grandma Chickenlegs. But, as with all the best fairy tales, there is a happy ending … for Tatia, her dad, the cat and the dog, at least.A wonderful re-write of a classic formula, Grandma Chickenlegs will inspire and delight even the most jaded young imaginations. (Ages 5-8.) --Lucie Naylor