Books About Russian Folklore

The Best Russian Folklore Books for Kids

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Russia Books, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

Looking for excellent children's books about russian folklore? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Russian Folklore

Sale price

$379

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1983

Bony-legs

By Joanna Cole, Dirk Zimmer (Illustrator)

A girl must outsmart a witch with the help of unlikely allies.

48 pages· 859 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,458 ratings

$3.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Captured by a fearsome witch, young Sasha faces a grim fate. But with the aid of a creaking gate, a loyal dog, and a clever cat, she might just escape. As the witch prepares her cauldron, Sasha must use her wits and the magical gifts from her newfound friends—a mirror and a comb—to outmaneuver her captor. Can Sasha turn the tables on the witch and find her way to freedom, or will she become the witch's next meal? Discover the power of friendship and courage in this enchanting tale.

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1994

Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave

By Marianna Mayer, Kinuko Y. Craft (Illustrator)

A girl faces a deadly errand to a witch's lair.

40 pages· 3,592 words· Est. 28 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,438 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Vasilisa, trapped by her cruel stepmother, must venture into a dark forest to confront the fearsome witch Baba Yaga. With her life hanging in the balance, can Vasilisa outwit the witch and survive the perilous journey? As danger looms, the forest holds secrets that could change everything. Will Vasilisa's courage and wit be enough to escape the witch's clutches?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2002

The Tale of the Firebird

By Gennady Spirin, Tatiana Popova (Translator)

A prince's quest for the Firebird leads to magical encounters and unexpected treasures.

32 pages· 1,827 words· Est. 15 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 554 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ivan-Tsarevitch, the Tsar's youngest son, embarks on a daring quest for the legendary Firebird. Guided by a talking wolf, he faces the fearsome Baba Yaga and battles Koshchei the Immortal to rescue an enchanted princess. As he navigates this mystical world, Ivan discovers that the true treasure lies beyond the Firebird's beauty. Will his journey reveal more than he ever imagined? Dive into this rich retelling of a timeless Russian tale, where magic and bravery intertwine.

Sale price

$759

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

Babushka Baba Yaga

By Patricia Polacco

A lonely witch seeks love and acceptance in a world that fears her.

32 pages· 1,200 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,025 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In a twist on the classic tale, Babushka Baba Yaga is a witch who longs for a grandchild to love, not to eat. As she navigates a world that fears her, will she find the acceptance she craves? This heartwarming story explores themes of belonging and love, set against the vibrant backdrop of Russian folklore. Discover how an outsider can find a place in a community that misunderstands her true intentions.

Sale price

$2185

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1855

Russian Fairy Tales

By Norbert Guterman (Translator), Alexander Alexeieff (Illustrator) · The Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library series

Discover a world of Russian folklore with timeless tales and mythical beings.

665 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,714 ratings

$23.00Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Dive into a treasure trove of Russian folklore, where mythical beings like Koshchey the Deathless and Baba Yaga await. With over 175 tales, this collection unveils a vibrant world of imagination, offering a glimpse into the enchanting and mysterious realm of classic Russian storytelling. Will you dare to explore the secrets of the Firebird and the Swan Maiden?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The House with Chicken Legs

By Sophie Anderson

A girl defies fate to find her missing grandmother, risking a journey to the afterlife.

272 pages· 57,867 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 12,248 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Twelve-year-old Marinka craves a real friend, not just the company of her magical, wandering house. Trained to be a Yaga like her grandmother, she faces a lonely future guiding souls. When Marinka seizes a chance for friendship, she unwittingly breaks sacred rules, leading to her grandmother's mysterious disappearance. Now, Marinka must embark on a perilous quest into the afterlife to save her, confronting the very destiny she wishes to escape. Will she find her grandmother, or will the journey change her forever?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

A Wolf for a Spell

By Karah Sutton, Pauliina Hannuniemi (Illustrator)

A wolf and a witch swap bodies to battle a wicked tsar threatening the forest.

320 pages· 57,471 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,911 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Zima, a wolf taught to fear humans, must ally with the witch Baba Yaga to save her family. But when a spell swaps their bodies, Zima finds herself in a new form and a new adventure. Joined by Nadya, a village girl with her own quest, they uncover a shared enemy. As danger looms, Zima must rally wolves, witches, and villagers to confront a malevolent tsar threatening their world. Can they unite in time to save the forest?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 2013

A Question of Magic

By E. D. Baker

A young girl becomes Baba Yaga, facing the challenge of truth-telling and leaving her past behind.

288 pages· 34,471 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,642 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Serafina is thrust into a world of magic when she is chosen to be the new Baba Yaga. Leaving her family and the boy she loves, she must navigate her new role where strangers' questions demand truthful answers. As she learns the power and pitfalls of foresight, Serafina grapples with the consequences of her newfound abilities. Can she balance her past with her magical future, or will the truth lead her astray? This enchanting tale explores the complexities of wishes and the courage it takes to embrace destiny.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–9 · 1997

The Sea King's Daughter

By Aaron Shepard, Gennady Spirin (Illustrator)

A musician's river song summons a Sea King, offering a journey to an underwater realm.

The New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books Award (1997)

32 pages· 1,580 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud

4.0/5 Goodreads · 319 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Sadko, a lonely musician in Novgorod, plays his gusli by the River Volkhov, summoning the Sea King. Invited to an underwater palace, Sadko faces a choice: return to his world or stay with the Sea King's enchanting daughter. How will he navigate this mystical journey, and what will he choose? Dive into this retelling of a beloved Russian legend, where music and magic intertwine.

Sale price

$2370

Chapter Book · 2021

Russian Tales

By Dinara Mirtalipova (Illustrator) · Tales series

Enter a world of Russian folktales where magic and danger intertwine in stunning illustrations.

160 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 286 ratings

$24.95Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Journey into the enchanting realm of Russian folktales, where a snow-born girl, the fearsome Baba Yaga, and brave heroes face dragons and fiery rivers. This illustrated collection brings these timeless stories to life with vivid art, inviting readers to explore birch forests and grand palaces. Will courage and magic prevail against the lurking dangers? Discover the rich tapestry of folklore that has captivated imaginations for generations, now beautifully reimagined in a special edition perfect for fans of fairy tales and art lovers alike. Uncover old favorites and new wonders in this mesmerizing collection.

The Bookroo Book Club