The Bear and the Nightingale is a graphic fairy tale retelling novel by Katherine Arden. It is a retelling of Russian folklore, specifically the story of Vasilisa the Beautiful. The book follows the story of Vasya, a young girl with the ability to see and communicate with mythical creatures. As her village becomes threatened by an evil force, Vasya must embrace her powers and confront the darkness. Arden's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions make The Bear and the Nightingale a mesmerizing read.