The Firebird

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.

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.

Demi adopts a formal style for this opulent version of the famous Russian folktale, echoing the fine craft of cloisonne and the intricacies of Faberge in her gilded illustrations. The surfeit of visual riches helps carve out a niche for the book amongst the recent spate of retellings of this tale of the feckless archer Dimitri who, with the help of his magic Horse of Power, captures the Firebird and embarks on a chain of ever more difficult quests that culminate in his own transformation into a prince (see also Rachel Isadora's Firebird, reviewed above). Demi's many fans will recognize the hallmarks of her art: meticulous attention to detail (historical, natural and architectural), fluidity of line and, above all, an unrepentant taste for luxury. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Ages 7-9. Readers will be captivated by this superb retelling of a classic Russian folktale. The trouble begins for young Dimitri when he finds a feather from the Firebird. Hoping for a reward, he brings it to the czar, only to have the greedy ruler demand the Firebird itself. With help from the magical Horse of Power, Dimitri accomplishes the task, only to be ordered to bring the czar the beautiful Princess Vassilissa. Fast-paced and suspenseful, the story has enough action and adventure to satisfy even a few die-hard Power Rangers fans. Demi's fascination with Russian art is revealed in the brilliant, ornate, gold leaf and scarlet illustrations, which are filled with intriguing details. An author's source note completes the book, which will be an excellent addition to folktale collections. Lauren Peterson