The triumph of good over evil is a classic theme for children’s stories, but the hero often achieves glory through battle. In Kizlauskas’ gripping reimagining of a classic Lithuanian fairytale, a young girl named Mildute saves her family and her kingdom by remaining silent and steadfast. When Mildute’s mother dies, her father unknowingly remarries an evil witch who turns Mildute’s twelve brothers into ravens. Mourning the loss of her siblings, Mildute sets off on a journey to find them, encountering unexpected help from an eagle with an injured wing. Together they climb the mountain where her brothers lived, an arduous trek that takes them twelve years.

At the top of the mountain, the happy family reunion is cut short when one of Mildute’s brothers announces that she has arrived too soon—“The curse was meant to last twelve years, then we would be set free. But if we’re found before that time, we’re doomed eternally!” To spare them this fate, Mildute must take a vow of silence, a condition she readily accepts. Despite this, she manages to lead a productive life, at least until her cruel stepmother tries again to undermine her happiness. Mildute’s resolute response demonstrates the power of unconditional love and staying true to her word, which will show children that fighting is not the only way to be strong.

The richly colored, detailed illustrations will fully immerse readers in this story’s wildly imaginative world. Along her way, Mildute encounters wonderful beings such as white-robed women who ride on the wind and anthropomorphic clouds that help her search for her missing brothers. Everything in this fairytale land seems almost tangible yet glitters with the promise of mystery and magic. No matter how difficult her circumstances, Mildute’s face remains soft and serene, driving home the story’s message about the power of her sacrifice and silent stoicism.

Takeaway: A young girl saves her family by remaining silent and steadfast in this Lithuanian fairy tale.

Comparable Titles: Dawn Casey’s Winter Tales, Gennady Spirin’s The Tale of the Firebird.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-