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.
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Reviews
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
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Other Popular Editions of the Same Title
Search results for The Firebird
Stock Image
The Firebird
Seller: World of Books (was SecondSale), Montgomery, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Very Good. Item in very good condition! Textbooks may not include supplemental items i.e. CDs, access codes etc. Seller Inventory # 00102716547
Stock Image
Firebird
Published by
Holt & Company, Henry, 1994
ISBN 10: 0805032444
ISBN 13: 9780805032444
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: Good. 1st. Former library copy. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Includes library markings. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good. Seller Inventory # 2504158-6
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The Firebird
Seller: Bay State Book Company, North Smithfield, RI, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: acceptable. The book is complete and readable, with all pages and cover intact. Dust jacket, shrink wrap, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may have light notes, highlighting, or minor water exposure, but nothing that affects readability. May be an ex-library copy and could include library markings or stickers. Seller Inventory # BSM.NTXK
Seller Image
The Firebird
Seller: Greenworld Books, Arlington, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Condition: very_good. Fast Free Shipping â" Very Good condition book with a firm cover and clean pages. Shows normal use and some light wear or limited notes markings. A solid, nice copy to enjoy. Seller Inventory # GWV.0805032444.VG
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The Firebird
Seller: HPB-Diamond, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_470020376
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The Firebird
Seller: Shakespeare Book House, Rockford, IL, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Condition: good. Used book that is clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # EBBV.0805032444.G
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The Firebird
Seller: MyLibraryMarket, Waynesville, OH, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. ***Please Read*** Gift inscription on title page - No marks on text - My shelf location - k-29-e*. Seller Inventory # 241104025
Stock Image
The Firebird
Published by
Henry Holt & Co, New York, New York, 1994
ISBN 10: 0805032444
ISBN 13: 9780805032444
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Smith Family Bookstore Downtown, Eugene, OR, U.S.A.
Seller rating 4 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. 1st Edition. Stated first edition, first printing with full number line beginning with 1. Light bump to top of spine, a couple of small bumps to bottom edge of boards. Unclipped dust jacket has some overall rubbing, creasing and edge-wear. Binding tight and text clean. Seller Inventory # 4433403
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The Firebird
Seller: GoldBooks, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: new. New Copy. Customer Service Guaranteed. Seller Inventory # 52P58_34_0805032444
Stock Image
The Firebird
Published by
Henry Holt & Company, LLC, N. Y., 1994
ISBN 10: 0805032444
ISBN 13: 9780805032444
Used
Hardcover
First Edition
Seller: Bibliobeast, Novato, CA, U.S.A.
Seller rating 2 out of 5 stars
Hardcover. Condition: As New. First Edition. Very fine, clean, crisp and new first printing in fresh red pictorial, laminated boards with the same elaborate illustration as the pristine dust jacket, this protected in a new, clear Brodart cover.The classic Russian folk-tale told here is based on Arthur Ransome's Old Peter's Russian Tales. It is presented in an oversized and typically gorgeous Demi book; the illustrations; including beautiful pictorial endpapers, are lavishly accented in gold. This book has been carefully stored since purchase and has only one small imperfection; a bit of superficial rubbing to the gold background of the last page. A very lovely collectible book. Seller Inventory # 2274