A Wolf for a Spell

Hannuniemi's intermittent black-and-white spot illustrations add an extra boost of liveliness to this warmhearted take on a Russian fairytale.

To save her wounded packmate, young wolf Zima makes a deal to temporarily swap bodies with the infamous Baba Yaga. While Baba Yaga pursues her own mysterious agenda, Zima must pretend to be the terrifying witch of the deep woods, a masquerade that leads her to the nearby castle of the intimidating Tsar Aleksander. Meanwhile, orphan Nadya, whose chosen older sister Katerina is engaged to Aleksander, also makes her way to the castle in the hopes of finding a permanent home. As paths cross and stories intertwine, an old secret unfolds, one that could either save or destroy the forest that has brought them together. Drawing on the Russian folklore of her heritage, Sutton conjures up a charming debut filled with magic and friendship, where a wolf in disguise can learn what it means to be human and a witch finds opportunity to redeem her greatest mistake. Fun and twisty, this fairy tale that evokes imperial Russia has a timeless air. Stylistic black-and-white illustrations adeptly visualize the characters. Ages 8-12. Author's agent: Katie Grimm, Don Congdon Assoc. (Sept.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 3-7--In her wolf pack, Zima has always been taught to fear humans, especially witches--but when her family is threatened she has no choice but to seek the aid of the forest witch, Baba Yaga. Nadya is worried about her best friend Katerina, who has left the orphanage to be married. She knows that something is amiss and that the only person who can help is the witch of the forest. Baba Yaga senses the evil in the world and needs a keen wolf's nose to help her with her secret plan. When the three of them collide, a magical adventure of friendship and bravery ensues as they try to save those they love and protect their world. Told from the perspectives of Zima, Nadya, and Baba Yaga, this delightfully magical tale is filled with everything readers of fantasy and fairy-tale retellings adore: magic, heroism, and whimsy. VERDICT Dotted with Hannuniemi's lovely black-and-white illustrations, Sutton's latest middle grade venture is one not to be missed. A must-purchase where fairy-tale retellings and folklore are loved.--India Winslow, Cary Memorial Lib., Lexington, MA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Karah Sutton has crafted a vivid and rollicking adventure that proves a wolf doesn't have to be big or bad to win the day!" —Rosanne Parry, New York Times bestselling author of A Wolf Called Wander

An elegant fairy tale retelling that feels both classic and fresh, A Wolf for a Spell beautifully explores the power of generosity, the many ways to be brave, and the magic of finding your own pack. This book is beautiful." —Anne Ursu, award-winning author of The Lost Girl

Those who have never before ventured into the deep, dark magic of Baba Yaga's hut will find themselves entranced by Sutton's engaging style and imagination. —Sofiya Pasternak, award-winning author of Anya and the Dragon

This delightfully magical tale is filled with everything readers of fantasy and fairy-tale retellings adore: magic, heroism, and whimsy.... Not to be missed. —School Library Journal, starred review

"Sutton weaves together the three protagonist's storylines with skill, building toward an exciting denouement.... [A] warmhearted take on a Russian fairytale." —Booklist