The Little Sister

In the story of Little Sister, nine brothers anxiously wait to confirm that their newest sibling is a baby girl, but an evil witch maliciously sends them the wrong information. This news causes the brothers to leave home and the little sister, named Kerttu, grows up without her brothers.

Years later, Kerttu begins a quest to find her brothers. Once again, the evil witch acts to keep Kerttu and her brothers apart through one despicable trick after another, going as far as to steal Kerttu’s appearance. It is only with the help of the valiant dog companion Musti (who is arguably the most sensible character in the whole story, yet does not survive) that the witch’s true nature is revealed and the brothers recognize their long-lost sister.

The evil witch meets her end locked in a burning sauna, while the brothers and Kerttu return home, sans Musti.

This slightly off-kilter fairy tale is anchored effortlessly in Jay Van Everen’s bold woodblock lines.