The Firebird: The Classic Russian Fairy Tale

by Brad Kessler, Robert Van Nutt (Illustrator)

The adventures of Ivan begin when he travels to court to present the czar with a golden feather from the Firebird. Instead of rewarding him, however, the greedy ruler sends the young archer on a series of quests. Ivan's toughest challenge of all comes when he falls in love with the czar's betrothed, whom he has been ordered to kidnap. Full color.

Genres: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Russia

36 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1996

About the author

Brad Kessler’s novel Birds in Fall won the Dayton Literary Peace Prize. His other books include Goat Song, Lick Creek, and The Woodcutter’s Christmas. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Nation, The Kenyon Review, and BOMB, as well as other publications. He is the recipient of a Whiting Writers’ Award, a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship, and the Rome Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

Reviews

[Ronyell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Fool and the Flying Ship" was the first Russian folktale that I have read and has been the only one for awhile until I stumbled upon "The Firebird" which is read tenderly by Susan Sarandon along with Russian influenced music by Mark Isham and beautiful illustrations by Robert Van Nutt, who also illustrated the Rabbit Ears' versions of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "The Emperor and the Nightingale," and "The Savior is Born."

"The Firebird" is about how a young archer named Ivan along with his Horse of Power find a mysterious feather of the Firebird and Ivan decides to bring it to the Tsar of Russia. Unfortunately, the Tsar wanted the whole Firebird and after that task is completed, he sets Ivan on more tasks, including getting the Princess that the Tsar wants to marry.

"The Firebird" is a wonderful story about the power of friendship and love and how they both conquer the greediness of the Tsar. "The Firebird" is another classic tale from the Rabbit Ears series that everyone will surely love for many years. Also, check out "The Fool and the Flying Ship" another Russian folktale narrated by Robin Williams.

[Hannah]

The story of Ivan who one day finds a golden feather he wants to take to the czar. The czar is not impressed by the feather and demands that Ivan bring him the entire bird or he will be locked up. When he miracoulsy brings back the firebird he demands he goes and gets the bride he most desires. Or he will die a terrible death. He brings back the princess but falls in love with her on the way. The princess does not want to marry the terrible old czar so she claims she can't get married without her wedding dress. So of course Ivan is sent on another mission where he shall return with it or else. He found the dress but the princess cries that she will not marry the czar unless Ivan is boiled alive. Ivan's horse says to him to run and jump into the pot so he does and becomes gold. The czar does the same but is boiled alive. In the end Ivan and the princess live together with the firebird. I could use this in the classroom to teach about greed and how it is not a desirable trait to have.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book as well as the beautiful illustrations. I think the book was sort of like a Aesop fable because it had a lesson or moral at the end. The horse told the prince not to pick up the feather but he insisted. As a result he went through a lot of turmoil. I would definitely use this book in my class.

[Rachel Olivier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great children's story of the Firebird. Wonderful artwork. Don't get it for Kindle or as ebook unless you have full color or just get the hard copy.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not my favorite folktale to start with and I liked this version less than others that I've read.

[Breyanna Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the aid of his magical Horse of Power, a young archer fulfills the increasingly difficult requests of Tsar Ivan and wins the hand of Princess Vasilissa. This story is a tale from Russia.