The Tale of the Firebird

The images, as usual with art by Gennady Spirin are lush and magical. The tale however is long, convoluted and exceedingly difficult to follow. This is a story of a Tsar named Vasilyi. He had three sons. When it is discovered that the golden apples are stolen from the lush gardens. It is the elusive Firebird that is the culprit. Because of the beauty, the Tsar feels he must possess the Firebird.

Send each of his sons out to bring back the Firebird, The son Ivan Tsarevich comes upon a wolf to help him on the quest. Each time he is given a mission he is told not to touch that which he longs. Not only does the son want to capture the Firebird, but he also longs for the love of the beautiful Yelena. In the end through dedication and cunning, show more Ivan Tsarevich is successful in his quest. show less

The art is ornate and lovely as a Faberge egg, as architecturally impressive as the Kremlin, and is definitely a visual representation of a wealthy, romantic and magical Russian dream world. The stylized, perhaps racially insensitive renderings of the exotic kings and their lands capture the popular image of them during the pre-colonial age rather than the reality of the middle east and far eastern dynasties and empires. The story is well crafted and the art breathtaking.

This Russian folktale is a wonderful story with the theme demonstrating the importance of love and honesty. This folktale exemplifies the pattern of 3s....the main character has to go out on 3 different quest. In the end, his ability to do as he is instructed without trying to be sneaky and give into temptation pays off with the greatest reward of true love.

I found this book very difficult to follow and probably wouldn't recommend it for children. The illustrations however are amazing and beautiful and would be a great book for children to look through since the illustrations tell the story.

A typical convoluted, bizare folk tale, but one with beautiful illustrations.

Independent Reading Level: Grades 4-5
Awards: Gold Medal of the Society of Illustrators