The Blurb On The Back:
They call me Yanka the bear. Not because of where I was found - only a few people know about that.
Found abandoned in a bear cave as a baby, Yanka has always wondered where she is from. She tries to ignore the strange whispers and looks from the villagers, wishing she was as strong inside as she is on the outside. When Yanka has to flee her house, looking for answers about who she really is, a journey far beyond anything she ever imagined begins - from icy rivers to smouldering mountains, meeting an ever-growing herd of extraordinary friends along the way.
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Sophie Anderson’s Russian-folklore inspired fantasy for children aged 9+ is a beautifully written affair about feeling different, being true to yourself and accepting help from friends. Kathrin Honesta’s deceptively simple illustrations really complement the sense of melancholy and regret that runs through the book. The pacing slightly sags in the final quarter so some characters get lost but it’s a satisfying read that’s definitely worth a look.
Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.
Found abandoned in a bear cave as a baby, Yanka has always wondered where she is from. She tries to ignore the strange whispers and looks from the villagers, wishing she was as strong inside as she is on the outside. When Yanka has to flee her house, looking for answers about who she really is, a journey far beyond anything she ever imagined begins - from icy rivers to smouldering mountains, meeting an ever-growing herd of extraordinary friends along the way.
( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )
The Verdict:
Sophie Anderson’s Russian-folklore inspired fantasy for children aged 9+ is a beautifully written affair about feeling different, being true to yourself and accepting help from friends. Kathrin Honesta’s deceptively simple illustrations really complement the sense of melancholy and regret that runs through the book. The pacing slightly sags in the final quarter so some characters get lost but it’s a satisfying read that’s definitely worth a look.
Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.