Masha and the Firebird (Folk Tales) (Hardcover)

~ Margaret Bateson Hill (Author), Anne Wilson (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Ages 4-8. Set in Russia, this original fairy tale blends elements of the Firebird legend and traditional European folktales into a winning story about a talented, brave girl. Masha helps support her family by selling her brilliantly painted eggs. In the forest, she meets the Firebird, who asks her to protectively camouflage its eggs with her beautiful designs. She conceals the eggs of earth, water, and sky, hiding each in its natural environment. But the last egg, the egg of the Firebird itself, disappears. When Masha learns that Baba Yaga has stolen it, she travels to the witch's house, which burns in a dramatic, mystical battle, with a new Firebird emerging from the ashes. Wilson's illustrations are wildly imaginative and richly hued, although the colors and style have a dated, 1970s' feel. The language is beautiful and the telling graceful, making this a natural for reading aloud, especially during Easter, and for folktale units. Practical ideas for egg decoration conclude. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

Masha's mother sells eggs at market, and Masha loves to paint their smooth shells. One day, deep in the forest, Masha meets the magical Firebird, guardian of the eggs of the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire. The Firebird asks Masha to paint its eggs so that they blend with the elements, hiding them from the vicious witch, Baba Yaga. At first, the plan works well, but Baba Yaga finally gets her hands on the last egg, and Masha sets off on an amazing journey to find it. This poetic tale features the Firebird's magical poem in English and Russian, along with suggestions to inspire children to paint their own eggs.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zero To Ten (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840891343
• ISBN-13: 978-1840891348
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,417,602 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars shanice grant, December 7, 2000

A Kid's Review

I thinK THE STORY IS MAGICAL AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE MASHA. I HAVE MET MARGARET BATESON A FEW TIMES. SHE COMES TO OUR SCHOOL. I LIKE THE STYLE OF THE STORY BECAUSE IT IS ENCHANTING AND HAS LOVELY PICTURES. I WOULD RECOMMAND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE.

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm the same shanice 6 years later!, May 17, 2006

By	Shanice Janay "Niecy" (Manhattan, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Masha and the Firebird (Folk Tales series) (Paperback)

ok..in truth i don't actuall remember the book but i must have read it at some point!

5.0 out of 5 stars CERISE&FIONA, December 7, 2000

A Kid's Review

I like the great firebird because his wings are beautiful and he sent the witch away.I like the pictures.