The House with Chicken Legs

Shortlisted for the Blue Peter Prize 2019. Longlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2019.

Do you decide where you go in life? Marinka doesn’t. Her walking house dictates all her steps. And in this dreamy novel based on a Russian folk tale, it seems to be taking her right into BIG trouble. Marinka just wants a normal life. But the house with chicken legs roams whither and thither without warning, on a mission to guide spirits from this world to the next. Have you guessed why? That’s right: Marinka’s granny is the notorious old witch Baba Yaga, who haunts every Russian child’s nightmares. Marinka dearly loves her Baba, and knows the stories about her (mostly) aren’t true. Still, she longs to break free from her destiny. But the house has other ideas…

  • A sensuous, brooding fantasy based on Russian legend
  • Brings the mysterious Baba Yaga figure to fascinating life
  • A tale of destiny and family with a deeply magical core
  • By a debut author with a strikingly fresh, assured voice

“Enticing, a little bit dangerous, and thrumming with possibilities.” Kiran Millwood Hargrave

“Utterly magical and highly original… had me reading late into the night.” The Bookseller

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  • loved it

    great book with one of the best plot twists ever

    13 November 2022

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  • Awards

    The House with Chicken Legs was shortlisted for almost every major award and won several regional prizes including the Doncaster Book Award.

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