About The Book

In this whimsical picture book with illustrations by beloved award-winning illustrator Tomie dePaola, the classic Russian Baba Yaga witch story gets an American twist.

In Santa Fe, young Manuela finds herself in the cooking pot of Alice Nizzy Nazzy. Can she escape the hungry witch’s clutches? Manuela bravely tries to win her freedom unaware of one important rule: witches don’t like the taste of good children.

About The Author

Photo courtesy of the author

Tony Johnston

Tony Johnston is the award-winning author of more than 100 beloved children’s books. She lives with her family in San Marino, California, where she grew up.

About The Illustrator

Photograph © Laurent Linn

Tomie dePaola

Tomie dePaola (1934–2020) was the beloved author and/or illustrator of more than 270 books for young readers, including the children’s classic Strega Nona. He was the recipient of the Newbery Honor, Caldecott Honor, and the 2011 Children’s Literature Legacy Award for “significant and lasting contribution to children’s literature.” A native of Connecticut, Mr. dePaola studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and spent much of his life in New London, New Hampshire. Visit his work online at Tomie.com.

Product Details

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books (July 19, 2022)
Length: 32 pages
ISBN13: 9781665904308
Ages: 4 - 8
Lexile ® AD570L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®