“A Wolf for a Spell” by Karah Sutton

Middle Grade • Fantasy • Slavic Folklore • Courage • Empathy & Perspectiv

Author: Karah Sutton

Illustrator: Paulina Hannuniemi

Genre: Traditional Tale Retelling

Recommended Ages: 8 - 12

Summary:

Deep in the forest, where magic lingers and danger hides behind every tree, lives a young wolf named Zima. She knows to stay away from humans—especially the witch Baba Yaga, whose hut stands on chicken legs. But when the forest and her pack are threatened, Zima must make an unexpected alliance with the witch.

Through a magical spell, Zima and Baba Yaga swap bodies—and the fate of both the human and animal worlds depends on them learning to trust one another. Alongside a brave village girl named Nadia, they uncover the true threat to the forest and find that courage, kindness, and connection can overcome even the darkest enchantments.

A lush, Slavic-inspired tale full of heart and folklore, A Wolf for a Spell celebrates the power of empathy, friendship, and finding your voice.

My Thoughts:

I was completely enchanted by A Wolf for a Spell. Karah Sutton gives Baba Yaga a new story, transforming her from a frightening witch into a complex, wise, and even humorous character. The story feels timeless, with themes of courage, friendship, and compassion woven throughout.

I especially love how this book blurs the lines between hero and villain, human and animal, magic and truth. The lyrical language and atmospheric forest setting make it a perfect read-aloud or cozy afternoon escape. It’s the kind of story that lingers, reminding readers that kindness—and seeing through someone else’s eyes—can change everything.

Themes:

• Courage & Transformation: Growth often begins with empathy and trust.

• Folklore & Storytelling: Inspired by Russian fairy tales, especially Baba Yaga.

• Nature & Harmony: Humans and animals must learn to coexist.

• Identity & Perspective: Seeing the world through another’s eyes—literally and metaphorically.

Library Integration for A Wolf for a Spell:

Folklore Connections:

• Pair this novel with classic Slavic tales or Baba Yaga picture books (Baba Yaga’s Assistant by Marika McCoola or The Bear and the Nightingale for older readers). Discuss how authors reinterpret folklore for modern audiences.

2. Empathy Through Storytelling:

• Explore how the body-swap element teaches readers about empathy. Ask: What does Zima learn about humans? What does Baba Yaga learn about wolves?

3. Character Journals:

• Have students write diary entries from the perspectives of Zima, Nadia, or Baba Yaga, reflecting on what they’ve learned about courage and friendship.

4. Art + Literacy:

• Students can illustrate the enchanted forest, Baba Yaga’s hut, or design a “spell” that represents positive change.

5. SEL Link:

• Discuss how fear of the “other” can prevent understanding. Relate to real-life examples of empathy and trust.

Why this book is important for Diversity and Inclusion:

A Wolf for a Spell blends Slavic folklore with a fresh, inclusive perspective, honoring cultural traditions while also giving space to empathy, understanding, and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. By weaving together characters from different backgrounds and magical identities, Sutton highlights themes of compassion, perspective-shifting, and embracing differences. The story gives Slavic readers cultural touchpoints they rarely find in middle-grade fantasy while offering all readers a rich window into folklore, community, and the power of stepping into someone else’s shoes.

Librarian Reflection:

A Wolf for a Spell belongs in every middle-grade fantasy collection. It introduces readers to rich Slavic folklore traditions while delivering a story full of emotion, atmosphere, and imagination. The novel’s gentle messages about empathy, identity, and courage resonate long after the final page.

What stands out most is how the story shows that perspective changes when you put yourself in someone else’s shoes—or, in this case, someone else’s paws. By letting a wolf and a witch literally switch places, Karah Sutton invites readers to experience the world through new eyes and discover how understanding and compassion can overcome fear and division.

This is an excellent bridge between traditional fairy tales and contemporary fantasy—perfect for readers who loved The Girl Who Drank the Moon.