Firebird

by Rachel Isadora

The story of the Firebird--inspired by Balanchine's version of the classic ballet--follows Prince Ivan as he discovers the Firebird in an enchanted forest and, with the help of the magical half-bird, half-woman, rescues ten princesses from an evil sorcerer.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Fairy Tales

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 1994

About the author

Rachel Isadora is an award-winning children's author and illustrator. She has written children's books on multiple topics including ballet, life in America and Africa, and has illustrated several Brother Grimm tales in an African setting. She is most well-known for her Caldecott Honor Award book "Ben's Trumpet". She was a ballet dancer before she became an illustrator and children's writer.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, dear. No cover art for this book. Anyway, the illustrations are lovely--lots of color and romance but also a bit spooky! This is Isadora's retelling of the fairytale "Firebird" after George Balancine's adaptation to the stage (ballet). Love that the Firebird in the story wears pointe shoes but, otherwise, it's very much a traditional fairytale. I really enjoyed the retelling, especially the artwork. I'm fast becoming a Rachel Isadora fan.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I liked best about this book is the illustrations. They are done in such a way that the ballet aspect is kept front and center; the illustrations are like closeups of a stage production. For example, the titular Firebird is portrayed not as a phoenix, but as a woman in a red leotard and tutu with a feathery crown. This book would be perfect for any little girl who dreams in tutus.

[Charlotte van Walraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal. Literal childhood obsession. I can't even count how many times I borrowed this book from the library. The story is captivating and the illustrations are simply stunning. Will probably be obsessed with it forever.

[Crystal M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story itself was weird and like “what’s the point?” , but the illustrations were beautiful and saturated. Makes me want to see the ballet.

[StrictlySequential · Rating 3 out of 5]

Extremely short children's book

I now know only the skeleton of this ballet.

Excellent art but not even worth base price bargain bin cost to an adult.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is clearly based on the ballet, and not the folktale directly. The illustrations show the characters dancing, executing leaps and all that. This has the advantage of making the artwork in this book some of the most beautiful I've seen in a while, with the very small disadvantage of making it sometimes a little opaque in terms of the actual story.

Luckily, the book is well-written as well as well-illustrated, so the pictures can accompany the story without having to carry it.

This would be a good addition to nearly any library - full of excitement and, well, beautiful dance. It's a bit wordy for the younger set, so consider your audience.

[Randie D. Camp, M.S. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Firebird is a staple in many Russian fairy tales. Isadora's variant of the classic tale is well-written and beautifully illustrated. The artwork is inspired by the ballet version of Prince Ivan's journey and encounter with the Firebird and the awful Katschei.

I much prefer Jane Yolen's The Firebird.

[Jenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest that I did not enjoy the ballet of this story but I am positively in love with the artwork in this book. The story is simplified and easy to understand for young readers. The book retains a message of gentleness and goodness as an example of moralistic living. This telling of it makes it a fantastic story for young boys to understand the importance of kindness and respect rather than playing into the stereotype of controlling and dominneering masculinity.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are amazing!! I must admit that I don't know the story of the Firebird, so I can't compare this to other versions or the original, but it was a nice story...but the illustrations are what really captures my attention and imagination.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

12/2/10 Russian's and their depressing stories. 1.5