What do you think?
Rate this book
The House with Chicken Legs #2
The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away
Not yet published
Expected 2 Jun 26The heart-expanding, soul-nourishing sequel to the internationally bestselling, beloved The House With Chicken Legs!Marinka loves living in the house with chicken legs that carries her around the world, allowing her to perform her duties as a Yaga, shepherding souls from the land of the living to the land of the dead. It's a huge responsibility and an honor to celebrate the lives of the recently deceased, serve them comforting tea, and send them off through the gate that leads to the stars.But the house is acting... strange. Almost as if it's ill. And soon, bits of it are being destroyed by the mysterious force beyond the gate. Even more troubling, souls are having trouble passing through.With the balance of the universe on the line, Marinka goes on a quest to find a legendary healing stone that might be able to set the house to rights and get the gate working again. But the magic requires a great sacrifice to work -- an act of immense bravery even noble Marinka might not have the courage to perform.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 2, 2026
About the author
Sophie Anderson
10 books963 followersSophie Anderson grew up on the Welsh coast and now lives in the Lake District with her family. Her writing is most often inspired by folk and fairy stories, especially the Slavic tales her Prussian grandmother told her when she was young.
Across her bestselling novels, Sophie has won the Independent Bookshop Book of the Year Award and the Wales Book of the Year Award, and been shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal twice, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Blue Peter Book Award, the British Book Awards’ Children’s Fiction Book of the Year, the Andersen Prize and the Branford Boase Award.
Sophie’s books have been translated into over twenty-five languages, and The House with Chicken Legs has been adapted for stage by Les Enfants Terribles.
Across her bestselling novels, Sophie has won the Independent Bookshop Book of the Year Award and the Wales Book of the Year Award, and been shortlisted for the CILIP Carnegie Medal twice, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize, the Blue Peter Book Award, the British Book Awards’ Children’s Fiction Book of the Year, the Andersen Prize and the Branford Boase Award.
Sophie’s books have been translated into over twenty-five languages, and The House with Chicken Legs has been adapted for stage by Les Enfants Terribles.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Usborne for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
The first Chicken Legs book sounded so silly and, in a way, it was, but it had such heart to it that I found it so moving as well as funny and entertaining - even if I am considerably older than the target audience. And I was so excited to read the sequel.
The finished book will feature illustrations by Elisa Paganelli and I look forward to seeing them as I think they will definitely add another layer to the story.
I love that the house in this book has become a character of its own; it's just wonderful. We have the same characters as the first book to give us that familiarity, but also some new characters which keeps it fresh. They're all so well written, so layered, and I cared for them all deeply.
What I love about this series is the perspective on death. Death, particularly here in the UK, is seen as taboo. Even though it's the only guaranteed thing in every single living organism, we brush it under the carpet, we have all these euphemisms for it. But in a lot of other countries, death is seen as just another part of life and it is to be celebrated and honoured. And this book really shows that in a positive light. That yes, death is sad, but it's also the start of a whole new adventure.
And I think it's important we don't ignore the idea of death, particularly with children. They need to learn that whilst it can be sad, death shouldn't be scary, and so to have such a message in a mainstream book is fabulous.
It is book two but it can be read as a standalone, however, I personally think you need to read the first book to get the most out of it.
It's fun and humorous and mad and silly, but it's also about loss, friendship, community, family, adventure, facing your fears, dealing with obstacles, and embracing your future.
I read this four months after reading the first one, and whilst that may not be a huge amount of time, my memory is terrible and so I couldn't really remember the specifics of the first book, but as soon as I started this I was swept right back into it.
I didn't expect to cry at a book about a house with chicken legs but it was so moving.
It is a fabulous book - and duology (I don't think there's room for more) - with some important topics, some important questions, but it doesn't sacrifice any of it's silliness or sense of adventure or humour. It's the ideal book for children to lose themselves in, but as someone who is 3x the reading age, I thoroughly recommend it to older readers too, because the messaging is just as important - and sometimes, adults just want to read a silly book about a house with chicken legs.
The first Chicken Legs book sounded so silly and, in a way, it was, but it had such heart to it that I found it so moving as well as funny and entertaining - even if I am considerably older than the target audience. And I was so excited to read the sequel.
The finished book will feature illustrations by Elisa Paganelli and I look forward to seeing them as I think they will definitely add another layer to the story.
I love that the house in this book has become a character of its own; it's just wonderful. We have the same characters as the first book to give us that familiarity, but also some new characters which keeps it fresh. They're all so well written, so layered, and I cared for them all deeply.
What I love about this series is the perspective on death. Death, particularly here in the UK, is seen as taboo. Even though it's the only guaranteed thing in every single living organism, we brush it under the carpet, we have all these euphemisms for it. But in a lot of other countries, death is seen as just another part of life and it is to be celebrated and honoured. And this book really shows that in a positive light. That yes, death is sad, but it's also the start of a whole new adventure.
And I think it's important we don't ignore the idea of death, particularly with children. They need to learn that whilst it can be sad, death shouldn't be scary, and so to have such a message in a mainstream book is fabulous.
It is book two but it can be read as a standalone, however, I personally think you need to read the first book to get the most out of it.
It's fun and humorous and mad and silly, but it's also about loss, friendship, community, family, adventure, facing your fears, dealing with obstacles, and embracing your future.
I read this four months after reading the first one, and whilst that may not be a huge amount of time, my memory is terrible and so I couldn't really remember the specifics of the first book, but as soon as I started this I was swept right back into it.
I didn't expect to cry at a book about a house with chicken legs but it was so moving.
It is a fabulous book - and duology (I don't think there's room for more) - with some important topics, some important questions, but it doesn't sacrifice any of it's silliness or sense of adventure or humour. It's the ideal book for children to lose themselves in, but as someone who is 3x the reading age, I thoroughly recommend it to older readers too, because the messaging is just as important - and sometimes, adults just want to read a silly book about a house with chicken legs.
April 19, 2026
The House with Chicken Legs very quickly became my favourite children’s book and I have read it to many of my classes. So, when the sequel came out, I could not wait to rejoin Marinka and her house with chicken legs. Easy to say, Sophie Anderson does not disappoint!!!
February 8, 2026
The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is the stunning sequel to The House with Chicken Legs and what an incredible, unforgettable read it proved to be. Full of heart and hope, warmth and wonder, this is a story that brought both tears and comfort.
Thirteen-year-old Marinka has a strong bond of love and friendship with her Yaga house so, when the house begins to act strangely, she is worried about it and wants to help. Hoping to heal through re-energising her beloved home and friend, she helps prepare a guiding feast where dead souls are given a party to celebrate their lives before moving through The Gate to the Stars. But rather than help her friend, something goes terribly wrong and the house tears itself apart, running away on its chicken legs, leaving Marinka behind.
Knowing that her friend is suffering, but not knowing why, Marinka races after the house followed by her friend, Benjamin and jackdaw, Jack, determined to find a way to heal her sentient home. Can she use her deep bond and connection with the house to discover the cause of its affliction? Will she be able to save the house from something that is tearing it apart – something that threatens the land of the living? And, why does she have the unsettling feeling that the house is keeping something from her?
And so begins a magical, mesmerising and momentous adventure as Marinka, Benjamin and Jack journey to save the house, a journey that takes them through incredible landscapes and magical lands – to places where danger lies, where discoveries are made and where secrets are revealed. I adored the connections between past, present and future possibilities, the healing power of memories, and the inspiration of Slavic folklore especially in the interconnectedness of the cycle of life. Whilst this is a story that brought heartache and tears, it also brought smiles of recognition, of comfort and affirmation.
Marinka is the most incredible young girl who is dealing with both grief and guilt following a heart-breaking loss. She shows incredible courage and inner strength in facing her fears as she strives to protect those she loves, but can she learn to forgive and accept herself in order to allow healing and growth? I adored the strong bond of friendship between Marinka and Benjamin, gaining strength and courage from each other, but also giving each other the freedom to follow their own paths.
This spellbinding story can be read as a standalone as the prologue will give new readers the background they need to immerse themselves in this sequel. Saying that, I have no doubt that readers who have not read The House with Chicken Legs yet will find themselves desperate to join Marinka on her first adventure. I can only, therefore, urge readers to give themselves a reading treat by enjoying the first book before the release of this sequel in April.
An enthralling and enchanting adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.
Thirteen-year-old Marinka has a strong bond of love and friendship with her Yaga house so, when the house begins to act strangely, she is worried about it and wants to help. Hoping to heal through re-energising her beloved home and friend, she helps prepare a guiding feast where dead souls are given a party to celebrate their lives before moving through The Gate to the Stars. But rather than help her friend, something goes terribly wrong and the house tears itself apart, running away on its chicken legs, leaving Marinka behind.
Knowing that her friend is suffering, but not knowing why, Marinka races after the house followed by her friend, Benjamin and jackdaw, Jack, determined to find a way to heal her sentient home. Can she use her deep bond and connection with the house to discover the cause of its affliction? Will she be able to save the house from something that is tearing it apart – something that threatens the land of the living? And, why does she have the unsettling feeling that the house is keeping something from her?
And so begins a magical, mesmerising and momentous adventure as Marinka, Benjamin and Jack journey to save the house, a journey that takes them through incredible landscapes and magical lands – to places where danger lies, where discoveries are made and where secrets are revealed. I adored the connections between past, present and future possibilities, the healing power of memories, and the inspiration of Slavic folklore especially in the interconnectedness of the cycle of life. Whilst this is a story that brought heartache and tears, it also brought smiles of recognition, of comfort and affirmation.
Marinka is the most incredible young girl who is dealing with both grief and guilt following a heart-breaking loss. She shows incredible courage and inner strength in facing her fears as she strives to protect those she loves, but can she learn to forgive and accept herself in order to allow healing and growth? I adored the strong bond of friendship between Marinka and Benjamin, gaining strength and courage from each other, but also giving each other the freedom to follow their own paths.
This spellbinding story can be read as a standalone as the prologue will give new readers the background they need to immerse themselves in this sequel. Saying that, I have no doubt that readers who have not read The House with Chicken Legs yet will find themselves desperate to join Marinka on her first adventure. I can only, therefore, urge readers to give themselves a reading treat by enjoying the first book before the release of this sequel in April.
An enthralling and enchanting adventure, with family and friendship at its heart, perfect for readers of 9+.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Firstly I haven't read The House With Chicken Legs (might have to read now then reread this!) but I can confirm that whilst that would be good, this is ok as a standalone book. I have read The Snow Girl so I fully expected a magical tale which took you in right from the beginning - it does!
Baba has passed through The Gate and the Yaga house and Marinka needed a new guardian - so Yaga Tatiana, an old friend of Baba's agreed to be teh guardian. Her workshop even attached itself to the house. The house has settled to so Marinka has started school and made a new friend, Benjamin.
When I say started school, Marinka hasn't been recently because the house is behaving oddly and she is worried.
On the anniversary of Baba's death the house starts to split apart. Marinka thinks that if they do a guiding and have a party for the deceased before they go through The Gate it will give the house energy.
But The Gate doesn't just take the deceased...it explodes and begins to suck in everything from the house. Worse still the Yaga House isn't able to close The Gate. The house realises it is bad and runs away - leving Tatiana, Marinka and Benjamin and his father in the workshop, which it splits from.
Marinka can't let it go - she runs after it. And Benjamin follows.
And so the adventure to try to close The Gate begins...where will the house take them?
Thanks to Usborne books for the early copy. Sadly this advanced copy doesn't have the illustrations by Elisa Paganelli that I know will be stunning so go get it!
Out 9th April.
Baba has passed through The Gate and the Yaga house and Marinka needed a new guardian - so Yaga Tatiana, an old friend of Baba's agreed to be teh guardian. Her workshop even attached itself to the house. The house has settled to so Marinka has started school and made a new friend, Benjamin.
When I say started school, Marinka hasn't been recently because the house is behaving oddly and she is worried.
On the anniversary of Baba's death the house starts to split apart. Marinka thinks that if they do a guiding and have a party for the deceased before they go through The Gate it will give the house energy.
But The Gate doesn't just take the deceased...it explodes and begins to suck in everything from the house. Worse still the Yaga House isn't able to close The Gate. The house realises it is bad and runs away - leving Tatiana, Marinka and Benjamin and his father in the workshop, which it splits from.
Marinka can't let it go - she runs after it. And Benjamin follows.
And so the adventure to try to close The Gate begins...where will the house take them?
Thanks to Usborne books for the early copy. Sadly this advanced copy doesn't have the illustrations by Elisa Paganelli that I know will be stunning so go get it!
Out 9th April.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Marinka, Benjamin and Jack return in 'The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away' - another magical adventure inspired by Russian/Eastern European folklore.
Marinka is worried about the House with Chicken Legs. Something is not right but she's sure a Guiding will sort it out, until this goes dreadfully wrong and they find themselves careening across the countryside to an unknown destination as their world literally falls apart around them.
This story also introduces a very special new folklore element - the pestle and mortar. If you thought the concept of the House With Chicken Legs was wild, then google this one. (I'm sure Sophie Anderson must've been itching to use it for years!) I've never heard of this before but it is a delightful visual image! I have an ARC without Elisa Paganelli's final illustrations, but I can't wait to see them - I'm sure they're incredible.
'The House With Chicken Legs' was such a wonderfully gentle and joyful meditation on life and death and 'The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away' is a wise and poignant continuation of Marinka's story. As she says, "(I) think how endings, no matter how difficult, always have beginnings nestled inside them." I think we're often nervous to confront death in children's fiction, but Sophie Anderson has provided a literary framework to think about loss in a way that is comforting and hopeful. I loved this book and I cried a lot!
Thanks to Usborne for the ARC.
Marinka is worried about the House with Chicken Legs. Something is not right but she's sure a Guiding will sort it out, until this goes dreadfully wrong and they find themselves careening across the countryside to an unknown destination as their world literally falls apart around them.
This story also introduces a very special new folklore element - the pestle and mortar. If you thought the concept of the House With Chicken Legs was wild, then google this one. (I'm sure Sophie Anderson must've been itching to use it for years!) I've never heard of this before but it is a delightful visual image! I have an ARC without Elisa Paganelli's final illustrations, but I can't wait to see them - I'm sure they're incredible.
'The House With Chicken Legs' was such a wonderfully gentle and joyful meditation on life and death and 'The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away' is a wise and poignant continuation of Marinka's story. As she says, "(I) think how endings, no matter how difficult, always have beginnings nestled inside them." I think we're often nervous to confront death in children's fiction, but Sophie Anderson has provided a literary framework to think about loss in a way that is comforting and hopeful. I loved this book and I cried a lot!
Thanks to Usborne for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The house with chicken legs runs away
By Sophie Anderson
Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd
The very anticipated sequel to Sophie Anderson's The House with Chicken Legs does not disappoint. Full of love, determination and loyalty, her fairytale writing draws you in and takes you on a journey. If it is magic you are seeking or a mythical tale this timeless spellbinding house with chicken legs will be your go to middle grade read.
Marinka returns in this sequel full of woe. She has lost her Baba. Her house has changed and there is something seriously wrong! And so unfolds an extraordinary adventure starting with the house running away. Disaster!
But Marinka is not giving up! She is strong, persistent and has her trusted friends by her side.
She will find out what the problem is.
She will discover what her house is running from and why?
She will not give up on her friendships and what shapes her future.
Travelling across distant lands, through new realms and magical places, Marinka must face her fears to save her friends and herself. But will her house stop running?
A modern classic, beautifully written that will pull at your heartstrings and set you thinking about your own past, present and future.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
By Sophie Anderson
Published by Usborne Publishing Ltd
The very anticipated sequel to Sophie Anderson's The House with Chicken Legs does not disappoint. Full of love, determination and loyalty, her fairytale writing draws you in and takes you on a journey. If it is magic you are seeking or a mythical tale this timeless spellbinding house with chicken legs will be your go to middle grade read.
Marinka returns in this sequel full of woe. She has lost her Baba. Her house has changed and there is something seriously wrong! And so unfolds an extraordinary adventure starting with the house running away. Disaster!
But Marinka is not giving up! She is strong, persistent and has her trusted friends by her side.
She will find out what the problem is.
She will discover what her house is running from and why?
She will not give up on her friendships and what shapes her future.
Travelling across distant lands, through new realms and magical places, Marinka must face her fears to save her friends and herself. But will her house stop running?
A modern classic, beautifully written that will pull at your heartstrings and set you thinking about your own past, present and future.
Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgallery
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A wee review of the much awaited sequel to the House of Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson!
So I was lucky enough to be sent a proof of the House With Chicken Legs Runs Away by Usborne, gorgeous proof cover design by Melissa Castillion and interior illustrations by Elisa Pagnelli.
It was wonderful to be back in the legendary world of The House with Chichen Legs, although The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is a sequel it can be read as a standalone but I recommend you read the first book at some point too as it’s amazing!
Some of my favourite things about this book :
- The heartwarming friendship and care between main character Marinka and her bestie Benjamin.
- The spirited and loyal pet bird Jack – I’m always here for animal characters!
- The fact that the house was like a sentient character in its own right and not just an inanimate object – a house with a heart!
I loved reading this story, every page was beautifully written and overall it was just a magical tale that also delivers very important messages about dealing with challenging issues like death, and grief and not staying stuck in regret. No spoilers but the ending was unexpected so wonderful and full of hope.
So I was lucky enough to be sent a proof of the House With Chicken Legs Runs Away by Usborne, gorgeous proof cover design by Melissa Castillion and interior illustrations by Elisa Pagnelli.
It was wonderful to be back in the legendary world of The House with Chichen Legs, although The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is a sequel it can be read as a standalone but I recommend you read the first book at some point too as it’s amazing!
Some of my favourite things about this book :
- The heartwarming friendship and care between main character Marinka and her bestie Benjamin.
- The spirited and loyal pet bird Jack – I’m always here for animal characters!
- The fact that the house was like a sentient character in its own right and not just an inanimate object – a house with a heart!
I loved reading this story, every page was beautifully written and overall it was just a magical tale that also delivers very important messages about dealing with challenging issues like death, and grief and not staying stuck in regret. No spoilers but the ending was unexpected so wonderful and full of hope.
April 17, 2026
Following on a year later from the events of The House With Chicken Legs, The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away returns readers to the magic and wonder created by author, Sophie Anderson.
Marinka has always lived in a house with chicken legs, from death to life, her home has always been more than a roof over her head. But when a guide goes wrong and the house runs away, she finds herself chasing after the only life she has ever known.
Chasing after her home with her friends, traveling to far-distant lands and discovering long-forgotten truths. Marinka may be confronted with her worst fear, that maybe her house doesn’t want to stop running?
The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away offers more folklore, answers and magic. I personally enjoyed seeing how Marinka has developed, how even with her house running away, she is still so sure of who she is and no longer saying what she feels others want to hear, even in the face of heartbreaking realities. As well as learning more about Baba, and seeing how Elisa Paganelli brought to life Sophie Anderson’s words I had tears in my eyes.
I do not think any words I write now can convey just how special this sequel is, you simply must pick it up and discover it for yourselves.
Marinka has always lived in a house with chicken legs, from death to life, her home has always been more than a roof over her head. But when a guide goes wrong and the house runs away, she finds herself chasing after the only life she has ever known.
Chasing after her home with her friends, traveling to far-distant lands and discovering long-forgotten truths. Marinka may be confronted with her worst fear, that maybe her house doesn’t want to stop running?
The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away offers more folklore, answers and magic. I personally enjoyed seeing how Marinka has developed, how even with her house running away, she is still so sure of who she is and no longer saying what she feels others want to hear, even in the face of heartbreaking realities. As well as learning more about Baba, and seeing how Elisa Paganelli brought to life Sophie Anderson’s words I had tears in my eyes.
I do not think any words I write now can convey just how special this sequel is, you simply must pick it up and discover it for yourselves.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
March 6, 2026
It has been a number of years since I read ‘The House With Chicken Legs’ but, remembering how much I had enjoyed it, I was keen to read the sequel, especially as it is once again inspired by Russian folklore
There is a bit of a recap at the start and a few more gaps are filled in as the story begins, which was useful as I had forgotten quite a bit. We join Marinka and the house a year or so after the events of the first book and the house is beginning to act strangely. Marinka herself is unsettled and then when things go horribly wrong the house runs way. This starts an epic journey for Marinka and her friend Benjamin, as they try to work out what is wrong with the house and save it. Along the way they learn some valuable lessons about themselves and what makes a family. I think the biggest surprise for me was that I ended up crying about a house, which really shows the power of Sophie Anderson’s writing. Nice little nod to another of her books in there too. A great sequel.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
There is a bit of a recap at the start and a few more gaps are filled in as the story begins, which was useful as I had forgotten quite a bit. We join Marinka and the house a year or so after the events of the first book and the house is beginning to act strangely. Marinka herself is unsettled and then when things go horribly wrong the house runs way. This starts an epic journey for Marinka and her friend Benjamin, as they try to work out what is wrong with the house and save it. Along the way they learn some valuable lessons about themselves and what makes a family. I think the biggest surprise for me was that I ended up crying about a house, which really shows the power of Sophie Anderson’s writing. Nice little nod to another of her books in there too. A great sequel.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away is the sequel to The House with Chicken Legs, which I read a couple of years ago and loved it a lot. This book was such a lovely surprise for me, as I was not expecting a sequel at all. The story picks up where the first book left off. The house starts to behave strangely, and Marinka, Benjamin, and Yaga Tatyana try to understand what has happened. When things take a turn for the worse, the house runs away in an effort to protect them. I loved the story so much. The themes of found family, the little baby houses, and the grief Marinka experiences are all beautifully written. The conclusion of Marinka and the house's story was so touching that I was crying by the end. I also enjoyed how Sophie Anderson included characters from her other books in this story. I highly recommend it, and I can't wait for the final book so I can reread it along with the gorgeous illustrations. Thanks to Netgalley and Usborne for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 18, 2026
🥹 Well, well, well - The House with Chicken Legs stole my heart a fair few years ago and I know so many people felt the same about such a smashing story.
🧙♀️ I’ve always been fascinated by Baba Yaga and feel they are often painted in such a poor light. Sophie Anderson made me love yagas all the more. Book one absolutely stole my heart.
⏩ Fast forward 6+ years and The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away… with my heart in pieces…
🐌 I read this book so slowly, because I didn’t want it to end. I had so many theories about where the story was going and when it finally played out… well the tears came, just as they did in book one.
❤️🩹 There was a fantastic balance of self-discovery, healing, adventure and grief in this beautiful sequel. Also, a large dollop of imagination. Marinka riding on the chicken legs was absolutely brilliant and so well illustrated. Also, who knew we all needed to see baby chicken legs being ‘born’? 🥹🥹 Adorable!
🤧 No spoilers, but do have the tissues at the ready.
🧙♀️ I’ve always been fascinated by Baba Yaga and feel they are often painted in such a poor light. Sophie Anderson made me love yagas all the more. Book one absolutely stole my heart.
⏩ Fast forward 6+ years and The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away… with my heart in pieces…
🐌 I read this book so slowly, because I didn’t want it to end. I had so many theories about where the story was going and when it finally played out… well the tears came, just as they did in book one.
❤️🩹 There was a fantastic balance of self-discovery, healing, adventure and grief in this beautiful sequel. Also, a large dollop of imagination. Marinka riding on the chicken legs was absolutely brilliant and so well illustrated. Also, who knew we all needed to see baby chicken legs being ‘born’? 🥹🥹 Adorable!
🤧 No spoilers, but do have the tissues at the ready.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Since picking up The House With Chicken Legs, I have loved everyone of Sophie's books so couldn't wait to be back with Marinka and House, Benjamin and Jack. Reading one of Sophie's books is like being enveloped in a warm hug and The House With Chicken Legs Runs Away was exactly that.
As with all of Sophie's books there is depth and soul to the storytelling. Themes of morality and love are authentically voiced with genuine care and sheer storytelling brilliance.
This beautiful story is a reminder to focus on who and what is important; to understand the interconnectedness of the past, the future and the present. It is also about understanding the importance of the decisions we make in the journey of life: to not regret the past, nor fear the future, but to embark on the greatest of adventures - life.
This is a truly wondrous magical tale that feels like coming home.
As with all of Sophie's books there is depth and soul to the storytelling. Themes of morality and love are authentically voiced with genuine care and sheer storytelling brilliance.
This beautiful story is a reminder to focus on who and what is important; to understand the interconnectedness of the past, the future and the present. It is also about understanding the importance of the decisions we make in the journey of life: to not regret the past, nor fear the future, but to embark on the greatest of adventures - life.
This is a truly wondrous magical tale that feels like coming home.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a great sequel to The House with Chicken Legs! It was exciting to find out what happened to Marinka next and her developing friendships with Yaga Tatanya and Benjamin, and the love between her and Jack. This book is pacy with lots of challenges to overcome, and interesting new characters as Marinka fights to save her house. There is sadness, happiness, comfort and hope written throughout the book, and the talk of death does not come across as scary, although it might be so to some of it's target audience but it is dealt with sensitively as are all of the themes in the book.
The book could probably be read as a standalone but I think it should be read after reading The House with Chicken Legs, so that the reader is already aware of the themes and writing style, and also because the first book is equally good so why not enjoy them both?!
The book could probably be read as a standalone but I think it should be read after reading The House with Chicken Legs, so that the reader is already aware of the themes and writing style, and also because the first book is equally good so why not enjoy them both?!
May 4, 2026
Oh my goodness, there may have been tears at the end of this one! I absolutely adored The House With Chicken Legs and it was a firm favourite with my pupils when I was teaching. How I wish I could tell them all to read this wonderful sequel. This story is everything and more that I could have wished for: old friends; myriad themes to explore; and superb storytelling. I’m sure lots of young readers are going to enjoy the magic of these pages and these are stories that I look forward to sharing with my grandchildren in not too many years to come.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for a review.
Read
May 12, 2026Honestly I did not think The House With Chicken Legs needed a sequel, but boy was I wrong and so glad to be.
This was beautifully told and continued from the first book (I did read them back to back) and seeing how much Marinka had grown was heart wrenching and lovely to see. But she is still a child and children will mess up, and any book that gets me SOBBIGN over a house deserves all the praise.
The artwork as well is also stunning and adds to the enjoyment of the book and overall vibes of the atmosphere.
This was beautifully told and continued from the first book (I did read them back to back) and seeing how much Marinka had grown was heart wrenching and lovely to see. But she is still a child and children will mess up, and any book that gets me SOBBIGN over a house deserves all the praise.
The artwork as well is also stunning and adds to the enjoyment of the book and overall vibes of the atmosphere.
May 8, 2026
Lovely book and kind of an origin story. Also includes some characters from other books which I love.
Review of advance copy
Beautiful, beautiful, devastatingly beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews