Firebird [Hardcover]

Rachel Isadora (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 19, 1994 | Age Level: 6 and up

The story of the Firebird--inspired by Balanchine's version of the classic ballet--follows Prince Ivan as he discovers the Firebird in an enchanted forest and, with the help of the magical half-bird, half-woman, rescues ten princesses from an evil sorcerer.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Former ballerina Isadora (Swan Lake; Lili at Ballet) brings her dance training to bear on this distinctive version of the classic Russian folktale; here, the Balanchine/Stravinsky ballet is the chief source of inspiration. Fantastical watercolors in midnight-hued purples, blues and greens spiked with red and gold conjure up dramatic, unusually dynamic scenes. Pictured as dancers, Prince Ivan, a band of beautiful princesses, a sorcerer with his hideous demon apprentices and, of course, the dazzling Firebird-"half woman, half bird, with feathers bright as flames"-pose, frolic, leap and soar across the pages. Unabashedly romantic, Isadora's stately book is a treat for balletomanes and the uninitiated alike. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-4-This fine picture book was inspired by the Balanchine version of the Stravinsky ballet. Therefore, it may be used as an easy retelling of the Russian folktale and as an introduction for ballet fans. The text is clear and simple but strongly evokes the magical atmosphere of The Firebird. The illustrations are outstanding-strongly romantic, impressionistic paintings that are alive with movement, drama, and the bold use of color. A splendid addition.
Kay McPherson, Central Atlanta-Fulton Public Library, GA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile; First edition. edition (October 19, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399225102
• ISBN-13: 978-0399225109
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #573,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #55 in Books > Children's Books > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > European

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wow., February 3, 2010

By 

Ulyyf "Connie" (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Firebird (Hardcover)

This book is clearly based on the ballet, and not the folktale directly. The illustrations show the characters dancing, executing leaps and all that. This has the advantage of making the artwork in this book some of the most beautiful I've seen in a while, with the very small disadvantage of making it sometimes a little opaque in terms of the actual story.

Luckily, the book is well-written as well as well-illustrated, so the pictures can accompany the story without having to carry it.

This would be a good addition to nearly any library - full of excitement and, well, beautiful dance. It's a bit wordy for the younger set, so consider your audience.

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical illustrations, little known fairytale, August 28, 2010

By 

Good-natured "Mom of two" (Belvedere, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Firebird (Hardcover)

My 6 year old daughter had this story read to her at camp during "Fairytale Week," and she came home asking for it.
The illustrations by Rachel Isadora are very beautiful. They depict the story as if you are watching the Balanchine ballet of Stravinsky's The Firebird on stage.
I had not encountered this tale before, about a prince who captures a magical firebird. Realizing quickly that this wild creature must remain free, he releases her. The firebird will repay this kindness, in a battle pitting the brave young prince against another extraordinary spirit inhabiting the forest, called Katschei.
Recommended for those who admire good-hearted princes and brave young maidens, as well as fantastic illustrations of dance.

4.0 out of 5 stars Former ballerina Isadora tells the story of the "Firebird", April 26, 2004

By 

Lawrance M. Bernabo (The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Firebird (Hardcover)

Igor Stravinsky's appeal for audiences is based mainly on his three ballets: "The Firebird," "Petrushka," and "The Rite of Spring." All three ballets were composed and premiered before World War I, which is important to note because after the war Stavinksy and many of his contemporaries believed music had to change in the new world that emerged. In other words, Romanticism seemed irrelevant in light of the Great War and these ballets represent, if anything, the triumph of the Romantic aesthetic. Stravinsky essentially repudiated his works, but they remain popular and "The Firebird," which most reflects the musical sensibilities of the 19th century, is the one that still captures the imagination the most.

Beyond the music, the story is also one of the more interesting in classical ballet, which is what leads us to this book, which is adapted and illustrated by former ballerina Rachel Isadora. The story of the Firebird comes from a variety of Russian fairy tales and brings together not only the Romantic interest in the supernatural but also a sense of nationalism that is often inherent in Russian music of this period. For Stravinsky the goal was to come up with a way of representing for the audience the swirling and soaring brilliance of the Firebird in musical form. For Isadora the task is easier, because she has a myriad collection of dazzling colors to create her impression.

Isadora's version is inspired by the famous choreographer George Balanchine's version of the ballet, so anyone picking up "Firebird" expecting the original folk tale will be somewhat disappointed. But fans of the ballet should be enchanted. We follow as Prince Ivan first discovers the Firebird in an enchanted forest and she gives him a brilliant red feather from her tell that he can use to call her in a time of need. The Prince then meets ten beautiful princesses and falls into the hand of the evil sorcerer, Katschei, who wants to capture them all. In the end, it is the Firebird who helps Prince Ivan in his hour of need and helps him to end the evil reign of Katschei forever.

Isadora tells the story as a ballet, with the brightly colored figures dancing across the pages of this book. Her artwork becomes more impressionistic as we get deeper into the story, which follows the structure of the ballet quite clearly. Young readers, especially if they are young ballerinas, will be interested in some of Isadora's other books, such as her version of "Swan Lake" and her charming story of "Lili at Ballet."