“I absolutely love Lorena Carrington’s illustrations in the children’s book Vasilisa The Wise & Other Tales of Brave Young Women (retold) by Kate Forsyth.”

KAZ COOKE, AUTHOR, CARTOONIST, BROADCASTER

“These stories will endure, and become part of fairy tale canon and the wonderful library of Kate Forsyth stories. It is an amazing book that can be read alone or out loud to younger people and shared with young women of all ages to show them how to be courageous and brave.”

THE BOOK MUSE

“I felt the hairs lift on my neck while I read about the exploits of the frightful Baba Yaga, the sweet Fairer-than-a-fairy and the brave Lullala, who rescues her prince from a spell. These are fairy tales for a modern reader, told the way they were intended to be told. Disturbing, rich in symbolism and accompanied by some of the most beautiful illustrations I’ve ever come across, this is a must have.”

THE WELL READ COOKIE

“Authentic, compelling contemporary Australian fairy tales, thematically cohesive, balancing mysterious imagery with narrative flair.”

LOUISA JOHN-KROL

“Forsyth’s stories are accompanied by powerful and sometimes dark illustrations from the talented, Lorena Carrington. The result is a gorgeous book full of symbolism and metaphor and hidden meanings.”

NADIA L KING

“Kate Forsyth and Lorena Carrington reweave the old threads of neglected fairy tales for the twenty-first century, remounted in eerie and macabre beauty from the detritus of the Australian bush, the nimble prose reviving the grit and cooperation of girls and women.”

REBECCA-ANNE DO ROZARIO

“A beautifully-produced book which is a gloriously rich collaboration between two gifted creators, writer Kate Forsyth and illustrator Lorena Carrington and inspired publisher Serenity Press, Vasilisa the Wise and Other Tales of Brave Young Women brings to vivid life seven fabulous traditional tales that showcase the courage, spirit and resourcefulness of seven young women who simply refuse to be cowed!”

SOPHIE MASSON

“Kate Forsyth’s magical words and Lorena Carrington’s jewel-like illustrations together create a truly bewitching new treasure trove of fairy tales.”

LEIFE SHALLCROSS

“…a collection of lovely fairy tale retellings featuring feminist-friendly protagonists, gorgeously illustrated by Lorena Carrington…”

FEMINIST FOLKORE PODCAST

“This book is a visual treat as much as it is an engrossing read. The look and the feel of the hard cover is a sensory experience that beckons the reader to discover the treasures within.”

BRYDIE WRIGHT, ENTHRALLED MAGAZINE

“Firstly, there are not enough words to express how good this book is … Each story has its own charm and is a page turner! … As for the illustrations, they are really jaw-dropping! … This book is a keeper. Not only should people read this, they should also get a copy for their bookshelves.”

TRISHA DAWN, READERS’ FAVORITE

Against a backdrop of dark forests, ogres and faeries, witches and wizards, and kingdoms and castles, Kate and Lorena give young girls back their power, inspiring wonder and imagination in the next generation of women. Vasilisa the Wise and Other Tales of Brave Young Women is a truly beautiful book, and a clever collaboration between two very talented artists.

MARIE MCLEAN