Customer Reviews

The Firebird and Other Russian Fairy Tales

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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The full-page illustrations in this book are simply stunning. The soft pastels blend with the glittering jeweltones, and the fantasy settings and gorgeous characters are sumptuously detailed. Each plate is a work of art and suitable for framing; believe me, if you have a color scanner/printer you'll be grateful. Notes at the end of the book inform us that the illustrations are reproduced from the original gouache paintings, and the pages are in heavy glossy paper.

There are four tales in this volume: The Firebird, Maria Morevna, Vassilissa the Fair, The Snow Maiden.

The pictures will take your breath away. The stories are charming and well translated (from an older Russian translated into French volume), but you will probably be too taken away by the glorious art to really pay much attention to the not-really-for-small-children fairy tales.

Like a fool over 22 years ago I gave my copy to my nieces my copy of this most wonderful storybook. The illustrations are some of the most imtensive color printing I've seen in many years, the stories are equally wonderful, and would be welcome in anyones' fine book collection.

I have had this book forever... The illustrations are beautiful. Highly recommend it.

I grew up with this book, a gift from my grandmother, and the illustrations by Zvorykin and the stories are as beautiful as any I've ever seen. It is not for preschoolers, however--the language is appropriate for mid-later elementary school as is some of the content (think along the lines of Grimm's Fairy Tales). Plus the quality of the book is high enough (metallic ink, 6-color printing) that some may hesitate to let it be crayoned in. But so marvellous--a truly georgeous publication.

The illustrations in this volume are lush and expressive-- Baba Yaga is truly a sight to see. Boris Zvorykin's vivid imagination perfectly complements the stories, bringing them to life without overshadowing them. Of all the books I read as a child, this is no doubt one of the most memorable and most touching.

While any age will enjoy the beautiful artwork, the only way, IMHO, that a baby-preschool child can enjoy this book is if it is read to them. More like children in grades 4+ will enjoy reading this book.

The illustrations are spectacular and the stories are beautifully told. This is a treasure. I read it many years ago and finally found a copy. It will become harder to find--buy it now, while you can.

My mother bought a copy of this book for me when I was a child and I have fond memories of the book. The fairy tales in this book have a unique quality and feel. Although my childhood copy is long gone, I am happy that I was able to obtain a copy for my son who is now enjoying these wonderful tales.