The Firebird [Hardcover]

Demi (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1994 | Age Level: 7 and up

When Dimitri, a young archer, finds a feather from the firebird, his wise and magical horse warns him that it will bring nothing but trouble. Demi's retelling captures the charm and drama of this favorite Russian folktale, while her lavish, gilded illustrations vividly evoke the grand setting and daring adventures. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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.

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.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Henry Holth & Co (J); 1st edition (October 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805032444
• ISBN-13: 978-0805032444
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 10.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,799,489 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and now lives in Yarrow Point, Washington. Demi is the author and illustrator of more than one hundred children's books, including picture-book biographies. Her work has received numerous awards and accolades.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Russian Tale by Demi!, February 21, 2011

By 

Lynn Ellingwood "The ESOL Teacher" (Webster, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Firebird (Paperback)

This is another beautiful Demi book with gold embossing. The Firebird is a Russian tale about a girl engaged to marry an elderly, cruel Tsar. She figures out tasks that a young nobleman must achieve before she will consent to marry the Tsar but the Tsar is not the object of attraction.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous illustrations, February 3, 2011

By 

J. Clapp (Midwest, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Firebird (Paperback)

Both my kids (ages 5 and 7) love this book. The story of the firebird is told in an engaging way, with a short paragraph of text on each page and full 2-page illustrations. The illustrations themselves are beautifully done in an intricate Slavic style, with liberal use of gold "leaf", which adds to the bright and glittering mood which surrounds the firebird. Highly recommended for anyone who loves well illustrated and well-written children's books. My daughter now wants to see The Firebird ballet by Stravinsky, so I put in at the top of our Netflix queue.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Gullibility of Fat Old Kings ( A Tsar in this case), November 23, 2009

By 

LME "The Discerning Viewer" (Central CA, USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Firebird (Paperback)

A wonderfully crafted tale for grades 1-5. One of Russia's classic folktales again brought to life with Demi's vivid illustrations. Demi is an incredible artistic talent. Each page is a delight.