The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away
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By Sophie Anderson
avg rating
4 reviews
Brimming with fairy-tale magic, friendship and extraordinary adventure, The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is an epic, spellbinding tale set in the bestselling, award-winning world of The House with Chicken Legs.
All Marinka’s life, she has lived in her house with chicken legs. Running across the world on magical adventures, Marinka knows how her house is feeling, and it listens to her, too. But something is wrong. And before anyone can stop it, the house has pulled itself apart and run away.
With her friend Benjamin and jackdaw Jack, Marinka races after the house to find answers. Travelling across far-distant lands, through new realms and magical places, Marinka must face up to her fears to save her friends. But her house might not want to stop running…
""Imaginative, warm and touching."" The Guardian
""A writer with true talent, courage and her own distinctive vision."" David Almond, award-winning author of Skellig
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Reviews
I was really looking forward to reading this as I had loved the first book and it did not disappoint.
The last story left us with Marinka living in the House with Chicken Legs after it had merged with another house. This book then continues as Marinka tries to make a new life amongst people, with the house doing less guidings than it had previously. Whilst it can be read as a stand alone book, I'm glad that I had read the first. After reading the first so long ago, the reminders of what had happened previously to Marinka and the house were very useful for refreshing my memory.
Once again this story touches not just upon the living but on death and grief - it does this in the most beautiful and touching way. And, once again, Sophie Anderson moved me to tears! There are so many themes in this book - love, loss, friendship, courage, change - which I feel are so important for readers to experience, especially young readers.
"I have grown and changed because of the past." I lift my chin higher and look over to the house. "And I will keep on doing that every day. I will make myself proud."
I recommend this book not just for kids but for anyone who wants to read a fun, adventurous and moving story.
Marinka returns with a new Yaga but the same house. But the house is having problems and Marinka needs to try and save it.
Perfect for mature UKS2
Having not read the first book, I was pleased that the plot made sense right away and any need-to-know details from the previous story were explained. I love the idea of Babas with yaga houses celebrating with spirits before sending them to the afterlife in the stars. This was a great fairytale turned into a great story. Fantastic characters especially the house!
I think the author has a beautiful writing style with a lovely balance between descriptive phrases and character thoughts. The mystery-element in the book was enough to keep me turning pages and you generally feel empathy for the characters. You will reach the end and be desperate for a sequel!
