Title: The Firebird
Author: Robert D. San Souci
Artist: Kris Waldherr
Genre: Folktale / Russia / Royalty / Magic
Year Published: 1992
Year Read: 2015
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers
Source: Library
Content Rating: Ages 5+ (Some Intense Scenes)
Buy or Add on: Amazon // Goodreads
I have read many different versions of the Russian folktale
“The Firebird” and each of them always
had the main character named Ivan possess a horse of power who helps Ivan find
the Firebird. However, while
Robert D. San Souci’s version of
“The Firebird” does have a main
character named Ivan, there is no horse of power in this version and we are
actually introduced to the famed Russian folklore character, Kastchei the
Deathless! This gives this version of
the famous Russian folktale a pretty intriguing spin on what we normally see
from
“The Firebird” stories!
The book starts off with a young prince named Ivan who went
hunting into the woods when suddenly, he noticed a golden light shining throughout
the forest and there he sees the magnificent Firebird (who has taken the shape
of a beautiful woman) flying from branch to branch. Ivan then decided to capture the Firebird by snaring
her; but then the Firebird pleaded to Ivan to set her free and she promised to give
him one of her feathers to help him out in his time of need. Ivan then let the Firebird go and later on, he
enters a mysterious garden where he meets up with a young and beautiful
princess named Elena, who was kidnapped by an evil wizard named Kastchei the
Deathless. Ivan then vowed to save Elena
from Kastchei the Deathless and they found out that the only way to defeat
Kastchei is if they can find the secret of Kastchei’s death that is hidden in
his palace.
Can Ivan and Elena find the secret of Kastchei’s death?
Read this book to find out!
Master storyteller Robert
D. San Souci has done it again at retelling an ancient folktale that is
well beloved by many folktale fans! I
loved the way that Robert D. San Souci
put a different spin on this ancient Russian folktale by having the Firebird
take the shape of a woman instead of being shown as a regular bird and actually
introducing Kastchei the Deathless into this story. It was interesting seeing Kastchei the Deathless
in this book because while I have heard about Kastchei the Deathless in Russian
folklore, I have never actually read anything dealing with Kastchei the
Deathless and this would be the first time that I had read about Kastchei the
Deathless, who was a truly interesting villain in this tale! I also loved the fact that both Elena and
Ivan take action in trying to discover Kastchei’s death as I like the fact that
it was not just Ivan who tries to save the day, but Elena also tries to save
herself from her fate from Kastchei and it gives a unique spin on how heroes
and heroines are usually portrayed in folktales. Kris
Waldherr’s artwork is extremely gorgeous to look at, especially of the
image of the Firebird herself as she is shown as a beautiful woman who has
golden wings and a feathered crown on her head as it makes her look quite
majestic.
Overall, “The
Firebird” is a truly fantastic tale to read if you are a huge fan of
Russian folktales and you will surely not be disappointed with this book! I would recommend this book to children ages
five and up since the storytelling is a bit advanced for younger children.
by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read and
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