The Sisters of the Winter Wood – Rena Rossner

In an Eastern forest (it reads Russian, but if you read the notes, you’ll see it’s based on things the author brings in from her Ukrainian roots), live two sisters. Liba and Laya are Jewish, in a mixed village. When their father is summoned to his dying father’s side, they’re given surprising news – Liba is also a bear, and Laya a swan. The two girls are left at home while their parents journey away.

What happens is a test of sisterhood, as well as them learning what it means to be Jewish, and to have their special creature roots. It’s really hard to summarize – you really do need to read the book. It’s lovely – told in alternating chapters between the two girls. I think it’s also worth reading the notes the author gives on her family history in the area the story is set in. While this story is pure fantasy, what happened to the Jews in that place is real, and colors her story. A really good read.