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Adventures of Alex and Katie #1
Firebird
All Alex wants to do during his summer vacation is travel to Russia with his mom, dad, and sister Katie.
But that's not what happens. Mom and dad take off on their own, leaving Alex and Katie in a creepy old house with their weird Aunt Karina.
Alex is upset and disappointed and thinks that his summer is ruined. But then, he and Katie discover Aunt Karina's magical library and an old fireplace.
At the back of the fireplace is a secret door, a portal into the magical world of the Firebird.
Ready for some excitement, Alex and Katie jump through the portal and ran off into the meadow looking for the Firebird and fun adventures.
Instead, they find Baba Yaga, the Russian witch. Or, rather, she finds them as they lose their way in the dark forest.
"We got a little lost," Alex says to Baba Yaga.
"And now you may get a little eaten!" Baba Yaga responds and takes a step closer...
But that's not what happens. Mom and dad take off on their own, leaving Alex and Katie in a creepy old house with their weird Aunt Karina.
Alex is upset and disappointed and thinks that his summer is ruined. But then, he and Katie discover Aunt Karina's magical library and an old fireplace.
At the back of the fireplace is a secret door, a portal into the magical world of the Firebird.
Ready for some excitement, Alex and Katie jump through the portal and ran off into the meadow looking for the Firebird and fun adventures.
Instead, they find Baba Yaga, the Russian witch. Or, rather, she finds them as they lose their way in the dark forest.
"We got a little lost," Alex says to Baba Yaga.
"And now you may get a little eaten!" Baba Yaga responds and takes a step closer...
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2012
9 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Julia Gousseva
25 books33 followersJulia Gousseva was born and raised in Russia when it was still a part of the Soviet Union, or USSR. For a long time, Russia was hidden behind the Iron Curtain and had a mysterious image of the Evil Empire to many Westerners, specifically Americans. But Russia was a mystery not just to outsiders, but to its own people as well. One of Julia's college history professors used to refer to Russia as a country with unpredictable past. Why? Because every time a new leader came to power, all state-issued history books were changed and rewritten. And all history books were state-issued.
Julia's novel MOSCOW DREAMS is set in Russia and presents life from the perception of everyday people whose lives were dramatically altered by events that have changed and are still changing Russia. Julia's short story collection titled TWELVE MONTHS OF THE SOVIET CHILDHOOD shows life in the Soviet Union before the changes and offer a child's perspective. Her children's stories put whimsical characters from old Russian fairy-tales in modern circumstances for today's kids.
Julia's novel MOSCOW DREAMS is set in Russia and presents life from the perception of everyday people whose lives were dramatically altered by events that have changed and are still changing Russia. Julia's short story collection titled TWELVE MONTHS OF THE SOVIET CHILDHOOD shows life in the Soviet Union before the changes and offer a child's perspective. Her children's stories put whimsical characters from old Russian fairy-tales in modern circumstances for today's kids.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 23, 2013
If there's one thing I never tire of reading is a good old-fashioned fairy tale. There's something magical about the whimsical, beautiful, and sometimes terrifying nature of Once Upon a Time land. Some of my favorite fairy tales are of Russian origin which often goes overlooked in favor of the Anglo-German ones. But it's always a treat to encounter Russian fairy tales in all their various forms.
Firebird: Adventure One by Julia Gousseva takes the Russian fairy tale and updates it for the modern reader. The story opens with a pair of siblings Katie and Alex whose parents are going away and decides to leave them in the care of their Old Aunt Karina. Not long after their arrival, they discover a magical secret that kicks off their adventures. What follows is a short, but exciting series of events centered around the mythical bird that gives this book its name.
I’m impressed with the way the author interweaves timeless Russian fairy tales and motifs into a children’s book that is full of all the delightful goodness that makes a good fairy tale. The story moves quickly and there is never a boring moment in the book. Through its pages new readers will be introduced to the wonderful dark tales of the north, while allowing those familiar with the genre to revisit them.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any kid or grown up who loves fairy tales. Looking forward to reading future installments in this wonderful series.
4 Stars for a fast pace and well-delivered fairy tale adventure.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal, review.
Firebird: Adventure One by Julia Gousseva takes the Russian fairy tale and updates it for the modern reader. The story opens with a pair of siblings Katie and Alex whose parents are going away and decides to leave them in the care of their Old Aunt Karina. Not long after their arrival, they discover a magical secret that kicks off their adventures. What follows is a short, but exciting series of events centered around the mythical bird that gives this book its name.
I’m impressed with the way the author interweaves timeless Russian fairy tales and motifs into a children’s book that is full of all the delightful goodness that makes a good fairy tale. The story moves quickly and there is never a boring moment in the book. Through its pages new readers will be introduced to the wonderful dark tales of the north, while allowing those familiar with the genre to revisit them.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any kid or grown up who loves fairy tales. Looking forward to reading future installments in this wonderful series.
4 Stars for a fast pace and well-delivered fairy tale adventure.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal, review.
August 9, 2013
Firebird by Julia-Gousseva is an admirable undertaking, striving to update one of the most fascinating fairytales in literature, and make it accessible to young readers. Framed in the here and now, this is a journey of discovery, starting with two kids, Alex and Katie, coming to spend the summer with their weird relative, aunt Karina.
In her house, a door engraved with foxes and bears leads into a musty library, where Katie discovers an old thick book, a book of Russian fairytale. It is here the kids learn about the Firebird. It is a creature of marvel, traditionally described as having majestic plumage that glows ever so brightly. Its feathers are magical, they can heal pain--but they lose their power if captured by force. Here is a great lesson to be learned.
Alex, skeptical of the powers of magic, lays his hand on the canvas of a painting, and his hand goes through, which is when he finds himself in the middle of the meadow, looking back at his sister who remains on the other side, in the realm of reality. It is then that he understands that the painting is a portal into a world of adventure.
The kids go on a quest, to bring the magical feather to heal Aunt Karina's pain. But first, she warns them of two things: the feather must be given freely by the Firebird, and they must refrain from talking to old ladies, especially the Baba Yaga, the witch who eats children. Will the follow these instructions? Will the survive the journey, and bring back the magical feather?
In reading this book, my only reservation is this: when writing flashbacks from a moment in the past to time before that, a writer should make use of the 'past perfect' tense, which help make the distinction between time periods. Overall, having heard many Russian stories in my childhood, I find Firebird enchanting.
Five stars.
In her house, a door engraved with foxes and bears leads into a musty library, where Katie discovers an old thick book, a book of Russian fairytale. It is here the kids learn about the Firebird. It is a creature of marvel, traditionally described as having majestic plumage that glows ever so brightly. Its feathers are magical, they can heal pain--but they lose their power if captured by force. Here is a great lesson to be learned.
Alex, skeptical of the powers of magic, lays his hand on the canvas of a painting, and his hand goes through, which is when he finds himself in the middle of the meadow, looking back at his sister who remains on the other side, in the realm of reality. It is then that he understands that the painting is a portal into a world of adventure.
The kids go on a quest, to bring the magical feather to heal Aunt Karina's pain. But first, she warns them of two things: the feather must be given freely by the Firebird, and they must refrain from talking to old ladies, especially the Baba Yaga, the witch who eats children. Will the follow these instructions? Will the survive the journey, and bring back the magical feather?
In reading this book, my only reservation is this: when writing flashbacks from a moment in the past to time before that, a writer should make use of the 'past perfect' tense, which help make the distinction between time periods. Overall, having heard many Russian stories in my childhood, I find Firebird enchanting.
Five stars.
August 26, 2013
Fills the soul with magic
Firebird: Adventure One
Without doubt, Firebird is a wonderfully entertaining story and a must-read for people of all ages with an interest in fantasy. It is a nicely descriptive tale which will draw you inside the pages of this magical book.
The characters are strong and well defined- you can't help but walk alongside Alex, Katie and aunt Karina. The author makes you 'want' to go into the house and 'have' to peer inside the old thick book. The story tells and fills the soul with magic and lessons to be learned as the quest progresses. Any fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, Grimm or Hans Christian Anderson will be taken with this mystical book.
Gousseva has crafted an amazing variation of a old Russian tale that will encapsulate all children.
I can't help but love the cover. The colourful but flat and restrained image inspires any magical read and conveys a number of thoughts to me. Stemming from the most decorative oriental 18th century porcelains and the finest silk embroideries.
Such a special 'feel' to the writing and I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone with magic in their heart.
A great and well-written tale 5*****
Firebird: Adventure One
Without doubt, Firebird is a wonderfully entertaining story and a must-read for people of all ages with an interest in fantasy. It is a nicely descriptive tale which will draw you inside the pages of this magical book.
The characters are strong and well defined- you can't help but walk alongside Alex, Katie and aunt Karina. The author makes you 'want' to go into the house and 'have' to peer inside the old thick book. The story tells and fills the soul with magic and lessons to be learned as the quest progresses. Any fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, Grimm or Hans Christian Anderson will be taken with this mystical book.
Gousseva has crafted an amazing variation of a old Russian tale that will encapsulate all children.
I can't help but love the cover. The colourful but flat and restrained image inspires any magical read and conveys a number of thoughts to me. Stemming from the most decorative oriental 18th century porcelains and the finest silk embroideries.
Such a special 'feel' to the writing and I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone with magic in their heart.
A great and well-written tale 5*****
August 13, 2013
First of all, I have to say that this is an exciting undertaking. There is an entire treasure trove of characters and stories and adventures in the Russian lore that deserve a wider recognition and a modern representation. Author Jula Gousseva does exactly that by bringing to life two very memorable characters of the Russian folklore - the Firebird (Jarptitsa in Russian) and Baba Yaga - the originial rock star witch with a twisted sense of humor and a nice little house with human skulls decorating the fence. Into the mix, Julia throws two kids who serve as our protagonists and guides into the magical kingdom of the childhood lost. Read this book to your kid and read it to yourself and feel the distant echo of your childhood gently saying: "Follow the light...follow the light"
October 24, 2013
I bought Firebird: Adventure One for my younger son, and it is now his new favourite book. This from a young boy who is most likely to be found on some computer device or watching the likes of Power Rangers on TV.
Julia Gousseva has taken a traditional Russian fairy tale and brought it to life for a whole swathe of new readers from all over the world. I am not familiar with Russian folklore, but this book has certainly made me want to read more.
The story itself is absolutely charming, about brother and sister Alex and Katie who go and stay with their rather odd Aunt Karina when their mother and father have to go away on a trip.
The language is really engaging, as are the characters and the more magical beings in the story, the nasty witch Baba Yaga and the beautiful Firebird whose feathers heal.
Firebird: Adventure One totally captivated my boy (and me!) and it is truly a wonderful, delightful thing to find such a good tale to snuggle up with, and watch a little one's eyes grow wider and ask what you think is going to happen next.
Colourful, new and eminently engaging, I can highly recommend this book for both younger and older readers.
And the most important question, 'which was your best bit?' (which is what my son always wants me to ask him) - without doubt, the Firebird. And the painting through which brother and sister step to enter into another realm. And then, 'can we get one of those in our house, mummy?'
Perfect!
Julia Gousseva has taken a traditional Russian fairy tale and brought it to life for a whole swathe of new readers from all over the world. I am not familiar with Russian folklore, but this book has certainly made me want to read more.
The story itself is absolutely charming, about brother and sister Alex and Katie who go and stay with their rather odd Aunt Karina when their mother and father have to go away on a trip.
The language is really engaging, as are the characters and the more magical beings in the story, the nasty witch Baba Yaga and the beautiful Firebird whose feathers heal.
Firebird: Adventure One totally captivated my boy (and me!) and it is truly a wonderful, delightful thing to find such a good tale to snuggle up with, and watch a little one's eyes grow wider and ask what you think is going to happen next.
Colourful, new and eminently engaging, I can highly recommend this book for both younger and older readers.
And the most important question, 'which was your best bit?' (which is what my son always wants me to ask him) - without doubt, the Firebird. And the painting through which brother and sister step to enter into another realm. And then, 'can we get one of those in our house, mummy?'
Perfect!
October 14, 2013
This is a really fun children's story! It is a modern version of a Russian fairy tale, where two children enter a different realm through a portal located in their aunt's house. There, they encounter the magical firebird whose feathers have the power to heal. But their adventure becomes dangerous when they run into a Russian witch named Baba Yaga.
This journey ends up being quite a learning experience for the young children. The author does an excellent job describing this fantastical world. I really loved the imagery, and I also really loved the firebird!
I have never had the pleasure of reading any Russian fairy tales before, so I'm glad to have had the opportunity.
This is a book that I'm sure my nephews will enjoy when they're a little bit older. I also look forward to sharing it with children of my own that I may hopefully have someday!
This journey ends up being quite a learning experience for the young children. The author does an excellent job describing this fantastical world. I really loved the imagery, and I also really loved the firebird!
I have never had the pleasure of reading any Russian fairy tales before, so I'm glad to have had the opportunity.
This is a book that I'm sure my nephews will enjoy when they're a little bit older. I also look forward to sharing it with children of my own that I may hopefully have someday!
December 7, 2013
What a wonderfully traditional tale.
When two children visit their eccentric aunt they are not prepared for the wonderful adventure which awaits them inside her home. Stepping through the fireplace they enter a magical land where the firebird lives.
However children beware! The evil witch also resides there and she eats little children. In a story filled with enchantment and excitement this is the kind of book we long for from our childhoods.
Reassuring and with a 'happy ever after' this is an ideal short read for children and adults alike.
When two children visit their eccentric aunt they are not prepared for the wonderful adventure which awaits them inside her home. Stepping through the fireplace they enter a magical land where the firebird lives.
However children beware! The evil witch also resides there and she eats little children. In a story filled with enchantment and excitement this is the kind of book we long for from our childhoods.
Reassuring and with a 'happy ever after' this is an ideal short read for children and adults alike.
October 30, 2013
"Firebird: Adventure One" by Julia Gousseva is a wonderful short modern fairy tale story about two children of Russian heritage who find a portal to a magic world in their aunt's house.
Encouraged by the aunt they step through the portal to the magic land of the firebird, whose feathers have healing properties, but only if gifted.
The great twist to this fairy tale is that the characters interact in their actions with a book about a firebird which they were just reading before spotting the portal. They now have the opportunity to determine the outcome of the book. This is not a Narnia tale by any means but has its roots in a folk tale and I found a moral message written between the lines: Gifts trumps any gain obtained by force.
The interaction of the children with the book opens the idea of taking part in the story, which encourages us to get involved and make the connection to our own life and choices; but it may also spurn on the talented reader to think about writing stories themselves.
A sweet little tale, not too scary but with some suspense to keep the interest. Immaculately written and well paced this was almost too short. Adventure Two however is already written.
Great fun.
Encouraged by the aunt they step through the portal to the magic land of the firebird, whose feathers have healing properties, but only if gifted.
The great twist to this fairy tale is that the characters interact in their actions with a book about a firebird which they were just reading before spotting the portal. They now have the opportunity to determine the outcome of the book. This is not a Narnia tale by any means but has its roots in a folk tale and I found a moral message written between the lines: Gifts trumps any gain obtained by force.
The interaction of the children with the book opens the idea of taking part in the story, which encourages us to get involved and make the connection to our own life and choices; but it may also spurn on the talented reader to think about writing stories themselves.
A sweet little tale, not too scary but with some suspense to keep the interest. Immaculately written and well paced this was almost too short. Adventure Two however is already written.
Great fun.
October 1, 2013
Fall in love with Fairy tales again...
Children's books have changed a great deal from when I was a kid. Although there are a ton of great books out there today, sometimes I feel as if the literature has been removed from Children's lit. That is one of the biggest reasons why I fell in love with "FireBird".
The fairy tales are back as two children, Alex and Kate, become lost in a magical realm. We journey along with them as they fight to find their way back home.
Check this one out!
Children's books have changed a great deal from when I was a kid. Although there are a ton of great books out there today, sometimes I feel as if the literature has been removed from Children's lit. That is one of the biggest reasons why I fell in love with "FireBird".
The fairy tales are back as two children, Alex and Kate, become lost in a magical realm. We journey along with them as they fight to find their way back home.
Check this one out!
September 30, 2013
A great story, well executed. This is said to be an updated version of an old Russian tale, but to me it was new and perfect. The two innocent kids being put up against the evil witch is a classic scenario in children’s stories and it works great again in this book. There’s some good descriptive writing too, so overall I was very happy to find it.
February 28, 2018
Firebird Adventure One by Julia Gousseva
This book starts out with Alex and Katie and they are done with school for the summer months.
When their parents spoke Russian they knew something was going to happen and fast....Their Teeeeeeemom told them they'd be leaving for urgent business in Russia, the kids to stay at Aunt Karina's house.
Kids knew she was weird and that was the end of a fun summer....the kids find the Russian fairytale book. It's about stories that are worn out at the end and they figure out a way to finish them....
Only two rules to follow when they go through the portal but they don't do the rules....
Offer of a free book. Table of contents listed at the end.
Great middle age chapter reading book.
This book starts out with Alex and Katie and they are done with school for the summer months.
When their parents spoke Russian they knew something was going to happen and fast....Their Teeeeeeemom told them they'd be leaving for urgent business in Russia, the kids to stay at Aunt Karina's house.
Kids knew she was weird and that was the end of a fun summer....the kids find the Russian fairytale book. It's about stories that are worn out at the end and they figure out a way to finish them....
Only two rules to follow when they go through the portal but they don't do the rules....
Offer of a free book. Table of contents listed at the end.
Great middle age chapter reading book.
March 10, 2018
For many children, the start of their school vacation conjures up images of fun times and days out or holidays with their family. Katie & Alex shared these same dreams, but sadly their parents weren't able to include them in their plans. - Their work meant they had to travel to their homeland in Russia, without the children. - Although, Katie & Alex were upset by this turn of events they were totally shaken when they learned that their parents had arranged for them to reside with their eccentric aunt who was elderly & had ill-health. In their minds, everything about their aunt was spooky. From the way she dressed and talked to the appearance of her house. Little did they know, this holiday was going to be their most exciting one yet & one they would definitely want to repeat.
February 18, 2018
That was a wonderful story and it was well-told by the author.
Children will enjoy it.
I loved it.
Children will enjoy it.
I loved it.
April 1, 2021
A creative way to introduce Russian folk tales, kind of like magic tree house meets Russian folklore. The dialogue is unnatural and overall the writing isn't very strong.
March 8, 2017
Firebird is based on Russian folk tales. The story is off two young children shuttled off to an elderly aunt while their parents return to Russia to deal with a crisis. The aunt is old and had difficulty moving around so the kids are less than thrilled to be stuck with her and not going to Russia with their parents. They pass the time listening to the folk tale of the Firebird and the magic properties of it’s brilliant feathers. Alex, the elder of the two children, is bored. His attitude changes though when he and his sister, Katie, find a magic portal.
Their aunt tells them they can go through the portal but warns them of the dangers. The primary danger is old ladies are not always nice so to avoid them and certainly do not talk to them. Alex and Katie enter the portal and their adventure begins. They have several run ins with a not so nice old lady (Baba Yaga) and meet the firebird.
Firebird was a quick story that young children will love. At least my children would have. The story has suspense and a few scary moments but not too scary for the grammar school crowd. I would hesitate for any child younger than five unless they had a good understanding of reality vs fantasy.
The production values were good. The narrator Rebecca Lea McCarthy did a nice job with the voices. Alex, the young boy, is distinct from his younger sister, Katie. The aunt is distinct from Baba Yaga. I had no trouble following which character was speaking and I do not think a child would either. Firebird is the first of five adventures Alex and Katie share. If your child enjoyed the Magic Tree House series, this should be right up their alley. The big bonus with this series is exposing your child to the myths and folklore of another culture. If you are Russian, this would be a great starting point for sharing the folktales of your culture.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.
Story (Plot) 4
Performance 4
Production Quality 4
Attention Holding 4
Their aunt tells them they can go through the portal but warns them of the dangers. The primary danger is old ladies are not always nice so to avoid them and certainly do not talk to them. Alex and Katie enter the portal and their adventure begins. They have several run ins with a not so nice old lady (Baba Yaga) and meet the firebird.
Firebird was a quick story that young children will love. At least my children would have. The story has suspense and a few scary moments but not too scary for the grammar school crowd. I would hesitate for any child younger than five unless they had a good understanding of reality vs fantasy.
The production values were good. The narrator Rebecca Lea McCarthy did a nice job with the voices. Alex, the young boy, is distinct from his younger sister, Katie. The aunt is distinct from Baba Yaga. I had no trouble following which character was speaking and I do not think a child would either. Firebird is the first of five adventures Alex and Katie share. If your child enjoyed the Magic Tree House series, this should be right up their alley. The big bonus with this series is exposing your child to the myths and folklore of another culture. If you are Russian, this would be a great starting point for sharing the folktales of your culture.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.
Story (Plot) 4
Performance 4
Production Quality 4
Attention Holding 4
October 8, 2015
Very short fairy tale for children. Nicely written. Good, appropriate Halloween tale with a wicked witch on a broom.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews