The Firebird - Hardcover

Demi

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0805032444 ISBN 13: 9780805032444

Publisher: Henry Holt & Co, 1994

Synopsis

A lavish retelling of a popular Russian folktale, grandly pictured with gilded illustrations, follows the adventures of Dmitri, who finds a feather from the Firebird and presents it to the greedy Czar.

About this title

About the Author:

Demi is the author and illustrator of more than one hundred books for children, including The Empty Pot. She lives in Carnation, Washington.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 2-5-A lush, appealing adaptation of a popular folktale. When Dimitri finds a feather from the fabled Firebird, evil Tsar Ivan orders him to capture the bird. He is also commanded to fetch the beautiful fairy princess Vassilissa, to retrieve her wedding dress from a golden cask at the bottom of the sea, and eventually to jump into a vat of boiling water. In the end, Tsar Ivan gets what he deserves and Dimitri wins Vassilissa's hand in marriage. In an afterword, Demi acknowledges the influence of Alexander Afanasiev and Arthur Ransome upon her retelling. Her version conveys the magic of Russian folklore, and her pen-and-ink, watercolor, and gouache illustrations are extraordinary. The myriad small details will fascinate young readers, making this an ideal book to share one-on-one or in small groups. Although several excellent versions of this folktale have been published recently-e.g., Bernard Lodge's Prince Ivan and the Firebird (Whispering Coyote, 1993) and Selina Hastings's The Firebird (Candlewick, 1993)-Demi's stands out as a luxurious example of fine bookmaking and equally fine storytelling.
Denise Anton Wright, Illinois State University, Normal
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Henry Holt & Co
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0805032444
• ISBN 13: 9780805032444
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 1