The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away by Sophie Anderson & illustrated by Elisa Paganelli

Seven years ago, I discovered the beauty and wonder of The House with Chicken Legs as a part of the outstanding collection of stories shortlisted for the 2019 Leeds Book Awards. It was this group of books and authors that inspired me to begin exploring the depths of children literature in the UK and start my book blog. Now, Marinka and her very special house have returned in a long-awaited sequel. With the same charm, emotion and vibrant Russian folklore, readers are welcomed back into a world where life and death go hand in hand through a story of love, sacrifice, faith and hope.

The House with Chicken Legs is a Yaga House – a house that welcomes in the dead and guides their transition to the afterlife. Since she was a tiny child, Marinka has helped her Baba (grandmother) celebrate these lives, listen to their stories and bring them peace as they move on. Now, Marinka’s grandmother has passed away and there’s something wrong with the house. Behaving strangely, it seems to be ill – or even dying. When a guiding goes wrong and the gate to the afterlife becomes uncontrolable, the house runs away. Marinka and her best friend Benjamin chase after it and find themselves on the most incredible quest. Not only must they try to save the house, but uncover truths about their own lives and learn how to say good-bye.

Layered with authentic experiences of morality, life and love both The House with Chicken Legs and The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away are examples of outstanding literature. The depth and challenge of their themes draw readers into this magical world and encourage them to think about what’s truly important in their own lives. Placing value on the past, the future and how we live in the present reveals so much about the importance of the decisions we make and how we love family and friends.

Thank you to Fritha Lindqvist and Usborne for an early copy of this beautiful book.