Edward Ormondroyd

Reading children's literature as an adult is a tricky venture, when the object is to perceive what makes it magical in the memory of fellow adults who read it as a child. This instance proved easier than most. It's been too long since I read Nesbit's phoenix story to recall it well, but other than this one's too abrupt ending I think this would bear up under a quality comparison.

David moves to a new home with his family, one that features a too-tempting mountain in its backyard. Near its show more summit he meets with the phoenix, and it's the phoenix's august personality that really makes this book shine. He's a proper English gentleman, but one that speaks to David on an equal level. Rather than ponderous adult wisdom he offers an education in the form of adventure, and they enjoy several together. The phoenix acquaints David with a great many other mythical beasties who turn out to be just as real, though not always a match for their myths. With the exception of an exploding cigar gag (who knew that would ever get old?) this novel has aged very well and I'd read it to any child today with expectation of success. show less

Still in a state of revolt regarding my library's decision to weed books like this, I borrowed my husband's academic ILL account and got this one.* I was a bit nervous. I loved it as a kid and what if my memories were wrong?

So I was so happy to find that my memories were largely correct.This is a lovely little historical novel, with a touch of fantasy that Ormondroyd introduces and sets up in a very creative way. Just letting the author describe the sights and sounds of the country is show more therapy when contrasted with the usual action packed into your newer novels for MG/YA. It would make a great TV/streaming movie. (Hint, hint)


*Husband, getting PhD. Has used ILL once.
Wife, not getting PhD. Has used ILL 10 times. And mostly for nostalgic purposes. Take that, Library system. show less

I honestly do not know how this book came to be on my kindle. It is a mystery since I am the only person who ever adds books to it. I decided to read it despite not knowing how I came to possess it. It is a charming fantasy story of a boy and a phoenix. I enjoyed the stories very much, particularly the wry sense of humor displayed by the Phoenix, who seems to know everything and promises to give David an education - a promise that he keeps. David also helps to protect the Phoenix from the show more Scientist. Being a scientist myself, I felt bad about the negative connotations in this book but alas, it could not be helped. Unfortunately, my copy did not contain the images that were in the original book, which would have improved it, but I still enjoyed the story. show less

I read this as a child and, when I came across it again, had to pick it up. Like many childhood books it was only hazily remembered but there was a gorgeous sense of rediscovery as I got to know its delightful characters again, and then a real grief as the book ended. I found myself poking around on the internet in the hopes I'd somehow find a sequel or at least another similar book by the same author. But this was written in the days before half the "young adult" books came with a set of show more predetermined sequels. And, like all great books, it is really for any age. Mostly I'm just so grateful I got to know the haughty, kind Phoenix and the inquisitive, sweet David again. show less