David and the Phoenix [Paperback]

Edward Ormondroyd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1981

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-Edward Ormondroyd's 20-year-old fantasy title (Purple House Press, 2nd ed., 2001) makes a welcome re-appearance in this full-cast recorded version. He narrates it himself, bringing a lively interpretation to his words thanks to an energetic and touching reading. Young Galen Druke reads the part of David, providing a terrific feel for the awe-struck child who desperately wants his novel education to continue with his secret friend, the Phoenix. From their hidden mountain ledge, they launch visits to a Banshee, a Griffon, and other fantastic beings while plotting to avoid discovery by a scientist who wants to kill and study the Phoenix. But as the Phoenix's 500th birthday approaches, he begins to build a huge nest of twigs and branches without quite knowing why. When he and David both realize what is happening, their anguish and sense of loss is apparent. Yet the story ends on a hopeful and even triumphant note of renewal. The recording offers listeners a fine opportunity to become acquainted with this winsome fantasy, perfect for independent or family listening. Classroom use with younger students would provide a great introduction to longer tales from the fantasy genre. School and public libraries will want this for their patrons looking for such offerings.
Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Review

A boastful Phoenix who would fly to safety in the Andes if only he could master Spanish verbs. -- Brad Strickland

Edward Ormondroyd has written a stimulating, ageless story. It combines beautiful writing, topnotch adventure, and enchanting fantasy. -- Chicago Tribune --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (June 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0590312766
• ISBN-13: 978-0590312769
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (94 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,535,280 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best children's books because adults love it too!, October 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: David and the Phoenix (Paperback)

My husband made me read this, when he re-discovered his copy on his parents' bookshelf. Thereafter, I read it to every third grade class I taught for 15 years, and my husband, David, read it to our two boys. My classes did drawings of the action while the characters came to life in their minds. Wonderful! The fantasy is embellished with wonderful drama, emotion, and vocabulary to enrich one's life. I still think about the Griffens and Griffons sometimes, and frequently miss the antics of the ever-loveable Phoenix.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully imaginative tale of adventure and growth, November 15, 2000

By 

Bruce Trinque (Amston, CT United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: David and the Phoenix (Hardcover)

I first read "David and the Phoenix" in 1958 when it became a selection of the Weekly Reader Chilren's Book Club. I loved it then and I love it still. I cannot think of another book which quite so filled me with a sense of wonder. Edward Ormondroyd's vivid descriptions paint bright scenes of characters and places in the reader's imagination. It is the kind of book that a child takes to heart, where it very well may remain ever after. I know that, even before reading the recently reprinted edition, I could recount virtually every episode in the tale, with Joan Raysor's simple pen sketches still providing the framework for my mind's eye recreation of the story. The book is full of humor, adventure, wonder, and gentle wisdom. This is a genuine classic of imaginative children's literature.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is THE book! Thank you so much, Edward Ormondroyd!, September 6, 2000

By 

Richard A. Bouton "Amazon Regular" (Hurst, TX, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: David and the Phoenix (Hardcover)

This is THE book! This is the book that made this boy fall in love with reading over 40 years ago. This book was my first love. This book has never left my memory. It is as though I read it yesterday. This is the book which filled this 10 year-old with wonder and thrills. This book was the first piece of art that made me cry. Read this book to your children or grandchildren... or better yet let them read it themselves... but don't be surprised if they can't put it down and read in bed under the covers with a flashlight when they are supposed to be sleeping. Through the years I have met so many of my contemporaries who fell in love with this book and have never forgotten it. One doctor who had read it suggested that it helps children of that age deal with their questions about life and death. After reading the first two Harry Potter books I am convinced that Rowling must have read this book. Be sure to read the reviews of this book in the "Out of Print" section of amazon.com. You'll see the impact that this book has. The people who read and were moved by this book brought it back into print through the internet reviews, auctions and rare book sites. If you have a 9-12 year old child buy them this book. Thank you Purple House Press for listening and bringing this book back into print after 40+ years. Thank you so much, Edward Ormondroyd!