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David and the Phoenix
David and his new friend, the Phoenix, fly to various adventures and misadventures with mythical beings and an ill-intentioned scientist, until the Phoenix realizes that its destiny calls.
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1957
93 people are currently reading
505 people want to read
About the author
Edward Ormondroyd
22 books19 followersEdward Ormondroyd grew up in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, and Ann Arbor, Michigan. During WWII he served onboard a destroyer escort, participating in the invasions of Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
After the war he attended the University of California at Berkeley, where he received a bachelor's degree in English. Later he went back for a master's degree in library science.
He lived in Berkeley for 25 years, working at various jobs while he wrote children's books. He and his wife Joan moved to upstate New York in 1970. They live in the country near Ithaca, in a house designed and partly built by Edward. Their seven children are all grown and independent. They have two grandsons and a granddaughter. Edward's interests include studying piano, gardening, books, birds, flowers (wild and tame), and listening to classical music.
After the war he attended the University of California at Berkeley, where he received a bachelor's degree in English. Later he went back for a master's degree in library science.
He lived in Berkeley for 25 years, working at various jobs while he wrote children's books. He and his wife Joan moved to upstate New York in 1970. They live in the country near Ithaca, in a house designed and partly built by Edward. Their seven children are all grown and independent. They have two grandsons and a granddaughter. Edward's interests include studying piano, gardening, books, birds, flowers (wild and tame), and listening to classical music.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
January 27, 2011
This is one of my childhood favorites and now I'm reading it to my kids. My copy is seriously old - I think 1960's - and I was THRILLED to discover that it's not only on Goodreads, but there is a sort of small cult following for it!
Do you know the difference between a gryffin, gryffon and a gryffen? Where sea monsters like to sleep? How a banshee can be quite helpful for repelling Scientists? How to out-race a witch on a new broomstick?
This book is a treasure trove of little adventures, but the best part is the persnickety, vain, adorable lovable Phoenix.
If you love mythical creatures, you absolutely must track down this little gem! I'm enjoying just as much as an adult as I did when I was a kid, and my kids clamor for the next chapter every night.
Do you know the difference between a gryffin, gryffon and a gryffen? Where sea monsters like to sleep? How a banshee can be quite helpful for repelling Scientists? How to out-race a witch on a new broomstick?
This book is a treasure trove of little adventures, but the best part is the persnickety, vain, adorable lovable Phoenix.
If you love mythical creatures, you absolutely must track down this little gem! I'm enjoying just as much as an adult as I did when I was a kid, and my kids clamor for the next chapter every night.
October 16, 2011
Other than Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat, this may have been the first book I ever read on my own. It left an indelible impression and would occasionally mentioned in conversations about reading and childhood over the years. Unlike the Seuss, it was what kids nowadays call "a chapter book"--no pictures except at the head of chapters.
The plot, as I've recalled it over the years, is basically about a lonely little boy who moves to the country, and, having no alternatives and having natural curiosity, spends his time exploring hills, cinder cones (?), near his home. In one of them he meets and is befriended by a phoenix who becomes his teacher and substitute parent.
The book ends with the phoenix, preparing to immolate himself as phoenixes do, telling David not to come again, that they must part forever. David cannot abide this and sneaks up the hill to see . . .
At the time of reading I was six and had, a late-bloomer, just learned to read. My parents, who argued too much, had just moved to the unincorporated Kane County, Illinois. The identification with David was, therefore, probably inevitable.
Aa couple of years ago I came upon a copy of the book at the Evanston library booksale. Skimming it, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my recollection of it was substantially accurate, though the book was a lot thinner than recalled. I bought it, gave it to my niece who also lives in the country with arguing parents.
The plot, as I've recalled it over the years, is basically about a lonely little boy who moves to the country, and, having no alternatives and having natural curiosity, spends his time exploring hills, cinder cones (?), near his home. In one of them he meets and is befriended by a phoenix who becomes his teacher and substitute parent.
The book ends with the phoenix, preparing to immolate himself as phoenixes do, telling David not to come again, that they must part forever. David cannot abide this and sneaks up the hill to see . . .
At the time of reading I was six and had, a late-bloomer, just learned to read. My parents, who argued too much, had just moved to the unincorporated Kane County, Illinois. The identification with David was, therefore, probably inevitable.
Aa couple of years ago I came upon a copy of the book at the Evanston library booksale. Skimming it, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my recollection of it was substantially accurate, though the book was a lot thinner than recalled. I bought it, gave it to my niece who also lives in the country with arguing parents.
September 8, 2018
A dear friend sent me a 1957 hardback edition of this lovely little book. Savoring it over the week.
Finished last night. Could not put it down, can't believe that I missed this one when I was young. Hoping for grandchildren eventually so that I can read it to them.
Finished last night. Could not put it down, can't believe that I missed this one when I was young. Hoping for grandchildren eventually so that I can read it to them.
July 15, 2007
I am so glad that "David and the Phoenix" has been republished because my family has fought over our tattered, yellow copy for years. It is a FANTASTIC book. Well-written fantasy. Wonderful imagery. Highly recommended.
March 28, 2017
This is a fun story, but I would warn parents that there are some questionable parts that may nor be appropriate for younger children.
For example, the word 'stupid' is used several times, as is the reference to someone slitting another's throat. Also, funeral pyres are discussed, as well as electrocution. I would caution parents to be mindful of their child's maturity level before reading this book together.
Still, our oldest daughter and I enjoyed the production, chuckling often at the silly pomposity of the phoenix and his insatiable desire for more cookies. We enjoyed listening to the audio CD with the full cast production and appreciated the adventures with mythological creatures that David and the phoenix experienced.
I wasn't a big fan of the characterization of the 'evil' scientist, and I think that the good vs. bad drama was a bit heavy handed. Still, it was an entertaining story.
For example, the word 'stupid' is used several times, as is the reference to someone slitting another's throat. Also, funeral pyres are discussed, as well as electrocution. I would caution parents to be mindful of their child's maturity level before reading this book together.
Still, our oldest daughter and I enjoyed the production, chuckling often at the silly pomposity of the phoenix and his insatiable desire for more cookies. We enjoyed listening to the audio CD with the full cast production and appreciated the adventures with mythological creatures that David and the phoenix experienced.
I wasn't a big fan of the characterization of the 'evil' scientist, and I think that the good vs. bad drama was a bit heavy handed. Still, it was an entertaining story.
March 29, 2013
You know, I think I've read this book before . . . a long, long time ago (though in the local galaxy).
Even as a child's read-aloud book, it wouldn't be so highly rated today, but for a young reader struggling with sounding out the words the style and repetition is a great learning tool. The pomposity of the Phoenix was just enough for someone eight or so years old to get the joke and feel inside.
This Gutenberg edition includes Joan Rayso's enjoyable pen-and-ink illustrations.
A very good read for a young reader.
Even as a child's read-aloud book, it wouldn't be so highly rated today, but for a young reader struggling with sounding out the words the style and repetition is a great learning tool. The pomposity of the Phoenix was just enough for someone eight or so years old to get the joke and feel inside.
This Gutenberg edition includes Joan Rayso's enjoyable pen-and-ink illustrations.
A very good read for a young reader.
February 6, 2017
A nice fantasy book of the kind that don't seem to be written anymore. Some have made comparisons with Harry Potter, but I don't see that (apart from there being a phoenix). It does have some similarities to The Enormous Egg (with establishment types being the enemy) and even The Phantom Tollbooth with its clever approach to language.
March 27, 2020
Truly delightful and inspired fantasy adventure. I think that if I'd read this when I was nine or ten years old that it would have been my favorite book. There's a bit of the Peabody and Sherman relationship between David and the Phoenix (and I couldn't tell you which came first). The adventures are inspired. My favorite was the encounter with the faun - perhaps it's because I'm a great fan of Mr. Tumnus - who knows? The book was well written, good natured and entertaining throughout.
May 10, 2019
My mother had saved this book from her own childhood and we loved it just as much. There is something so enticing about a phoenix that never gets old.
March 21, 2017
This story is AMAZINGGGG!!!! What a hidden gem! How is this book not more well known? It's the best thing that I've read in a long while. To think that it's geared towards children... I say that this book is for the whole family to enjoy. It's loaded with adventure, humor, suspense, MYTHICAL CREATURES, and good fun.
My favorite moment has to be when the town thought a burglar was going about every window...
I had hoped for a more satisfying close to the story as it ended in a bad place, but this book was so much fun that I wasn't overly bother by it. Besides, a happy ending is a happy ending. (Though in this case, maybe sliiiiightly bittersweet.)
My favorite moment has to be when the town thought a burglar was going about every window...
I had hoped for a more satisfying close to the story as it ended in a bad place, but this book was so much fun that I wasn't overly bother by it. Besides, a happy ending is a happy ending. (Though in this case, maybe sliiiiightly bittersweet.)
November 18, 2020
What a delightful read aloud! We really enjoyed this one.
December 28, 2020
I read this book as part of the 100 Gryphon Book Reading Challenge. I'm losing track of how many I've read now, but I think this was my ninety-sixth? I'm just now starting to go back and count them.
It's a short, cute chapter book. It feels like it was meant for an adult to read it aloud to a child, with several sentences designed to vex the adult and make the child laugh. I read specifically for the gryphons, so my review centers on a single chapter.
Despite having come out in the 1950s, fantasy authors were already poking fun at each other for the different spellings of gryphon, and Ormondroyd devotes a chapter to searching for gryffins and only finding gryffens and gryffons. While the Phoenix insists he can tell them apart, the artwork in the book shows that they all look identical, adding to the humor.
For other people doing the reading challenge, the gryphons are sapient but villains and not a focus of the book, but it's still a fun riff on the different spellings. This is also the oldest book I've read so far for the challenge (1957) that perpetuates the "Red Gryphons Think They're Special" trope.
It's a short, cute chapter book. It feels like it was meant for an adult to read it aloud to a child, with several sentences designed to vex the adult and make the child laugh. I read specifically for the gryphons, so my review centers on a single chapter.
Despite having come out in the 1950s, fantasy authors were already poking fun at each other for the different spellings of gryphon, and Ormondroyd devotes a chapter to searching for gryffins and only finding gryffens and gryffons. While the Phoenix insists he can tell them apart, the artwork in the book shows that they all look identical, adding to the humor.
For other people doing the reading challenge, the gryphons are sapient but villains and not a focus of the book, but it's still a fun riff on the different spellings. This is also the oldest book I've read so far for the challenge (1957) that perpetuates the "Red Gryphons Think They're Special" trope.
August 11, 2017
A very enjoyable story, although the ending felt too abrupt for my tastes.
August 23, 2018
3.5 stars. A quirky and endearing tale of a small boy who meets a Phoenix on the mountain behind his new house, and the adventures they have together. It lacks depth and detail that would make it more memorable, and the end is somewhat unsatisfactory, but it was a very enjoyable read.
January 23, 2010
Reviews said that before there was Harry Potter, there was David and The Phoenix. Written in 1958, it looked charming. I found an audio production done by a full cast, with the author as the narrator and Logan loved it! He listened to it several times on a long overseas trip. I heard bits and pieces and thought it seemed well-paced for him and not too scary.
February 22, 2019
The one thing I don't like is that the bad guy is "The Scientist" :-)
February 26, 2023
Shout-out to Purple House Press for reprinting classic children's books (from the 1930s to the 2000s), allowing me to discover gems such as this one. In his foreword to this 2000 edition, the author describes readers' fervent loyalty to his book over the decades, and their requests for a reissue after the book (first published in 1957) went out of print. And I can wholeheartedly say that this is not hyperbole, because David and the Phoenix really is that good. My 6 and 8 year old niblings, as well as their parents and several other adult relatives, also loved this book.
This story of a young boy's "education" in mythological matters reminds me of one of my childhood favorites: The Flying Carpet by Soviet author Vladislav Krapivin. Krapivin and Ormondroyd* have that same touch for telling a story that feels like it genuinely comes from a child's perspective. There's no "point" to the story other than to create an escape to a magical world filled with discoveries and adventures, the wonder of flight, a deep and meaningful friendship, and opportunities for the child characters to prove themselves as brave and decent human beings. There's no lengthy introduction, no exposition, no moral, no pontificating. We are dropped straight into the middle of the story's events, rather than being told about them. The plot progresses steadily, with plenty of surprise and entertainment along the way, but also with plenty of heart. Nothing is cookie-cutter predictable. The characters are well-rounded and relatable but not "perfect." Their thoughts and actions and conversations make sense within the context, and are described in careful detail so that kids can fully relate to the characters' motivations and experiences. Truly a pleasure to read.
One minor caveat:
* Sara Pennypacker's books also evoke childhood ever so beautifully, but unlike Krapivin's and Ormondroyd's stories, hers are firmly set in reality.
This story of a young boy's "education" in mythological matters reminds me of one of my childhood favorites: The Flying Carpet by Soviet author Vladislav Krapivin. Krapivin and Ormondroyd* have that same touch for telling a story that feels like it genuinely comes from a child's perspective. There's no "point" to the story other than to create an escape to a magical world filled with discoveries and adventures, the wonder of flight, a deep and meaningful friendship, and opportunities for the child characters to prove themselves as brave and decent human beings. There's no lengthy introduction, no exposition, no moral, no pontificating. We are dropped straight into the middle of the story's events, rather than being told about them. The plot progresses steadily, with plenty of surprise and entertainment along the way, but also with plenty of heart. Nothing is cookie-cutter predictable. The characters are well-rounded and relatable but not "perfect." Their thoughts and actions and conversations make sense within the context, and are described in careful detail so that kids can fully relate to the characters' motivations and experiences. Truly a pleasure to read.
One minor caveat:
* Sara Pennypacker's books also evoke childhood ever so beautifully, but unlike Krapivin's and Ormondroyd's stories, hers are firmly set in reality.
November 22, 2017
I have memories of DAVID AND THE PHOENIX by Edward Ormondroyd from 1958 when it was a Weekly Reader Book Club edition. After I recently learned that the author had written more books, I decided I needed to re-read the book as it has stayed with me for so many years. I found that it has an almost cult following.
Again, it did not disappoint. David, a young boy, has just moved to a new house where there is a mountain in the back yard. Eager to explore, he climbs the mountain and meets a majestic, mythical bird --a Phoenix. The bird is quite intelligent and learned if somewhat of a fussbudget.
He takes David on several exiting and often humorous adventures to meet strange and wonderful creatures. However, there is a bad guy…. the Scientist who is intent on capturing or killing the magnificent Phoenix because it is so unique. While the ending is somewhat bittersweet, the book spurs the younger readers’ imagination. Reading this now as an adult, I can see much more symbolism and imagery than when I first read it. There is a lot of mythology that seems to be ignored today as well as many religious/Christian images that went over my head when I was eight.
Very close to the end, I found the line “we cannot ignore the tradition, no matter what our feelings may be” and I knew why the book has always had such a hold on me. In fact, I think it shaped my thoughts on tradition growing up and has continued to influence me.
Again, it did not disappoint. David, a young boy, has just moved to a new house where there is a mountain in the back yard. Eager to explore, he climbs the mountain and meets a majestic, mythical bird --a Phoenix. The bird is quite intelligent and learned if somewhat of a fussbudget.
He takes David on several exiting and often humorous adventures to meet strange and wonderful creatures. However, there is a bad guy…. the Scientist who is intent on capturing or killing the magnificent Phoenix because it is so unique. While the ending is somewhat bittersweet, the book spurs the younger readers’ imagination. Reading this now as an adult, I can see much more symbolism and imagery than when I first read it. There is a lot of mythology that seems to be ignored today as well as many religious/Christian images that went over my head when I was eight.
Very close to the end, I found the line “we cannot ignore the tradition, no matter what our feelings may be” and I knew why the book has always had such a hold on me. In fact, I think it shaped my thoughts on tradition growing up and has continued to influence me.
January 19, 2019
As with other reviewers, this charming story is a childhood favorite of mine. David is a boy of ten or so who has just moved into a new house at the foot of a mountain. He explores the mountain and discovers The Phoenix, a huge talking bird who is vain, pretentious, and adventure-loving. He and David become fast friends. Since it's summer vacation David spends every day climbing the mountain and going on adventures with the Phoenix. They meet a witch, gryffens and gryphons, a faun and other mythical creatures. The book has very much the same feel as the song Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul, and Mary. The Phoenix is being pursued by The Scientist, who, unfortunately, is not given a sympathetic treatment. The book was a Weekly Reader Children's Book Club selection. Although aimed at children, the vocabulary is surprisingly advanced. It would make an excellent read for or to a child of David's age. At some point I must have mentioned this book to my wife, as she obtained a copy from the local school district some time in the past and was able to locate it on our shelves when I remarked about it. I owned a copy as a child, but that one is long gone and this one is not it. It's probably not available in your local library, but it is at Amazon in both Kindle and hard cover versions.
August 22, 2023
"David and the Phoenix," by Edward Ormondroyd and illustrated by Joan Raysor, is proof of the great desire by writers and artists in 20th century America to enrich the lives of our children, and particularly of our boys, with wonderfully crafted worlds. These worlds might have been small in scope, but they could draw in youth with tales of fantasy, myth and a bit of bravery. I hope our culture continues to create art like this on some level, but I seem to see less of it, as the current age seems to value different ideals. Maybe that's just me; I can be old fashioned.
One thing I am sure about is the quality of the illustrations in so many of these books. Raysor doesn't necessarily have a great deal of space, but she doubtless added to the imagery each reader experienced reading this book.
This was a 1958 Selection of the Weekly Reader Children's Book Club, and is well worth the few hours needed to read it in its entirety. If you have young children, see if this book might appeal to them.
One thing I am sure about is the quality of the illustrations in so many of these books. Raysor doesn't necessarily have a great deal of space, but she doubtless added to the imagery each reader experienced reading this book.
This was a 1958 Selection of the Weekly Reader Children's Book Club, and is well worth the few hours needed to read it in its entirety. If you have young children, see if this book might appeal to them.
February 6, 2021
I can see why this has become a timeless beloved classic! Growing up in a family that always valued books, but were experts at getting everything second hand, I read a LOT of outdated children's books when I was young. A few stood out as still exceptional, but I read so, so many books that even as a kid, I could tell were dated. I never actually read this book as a child, but my father did, and he lent his reprinted copy to my daughter. There are a few instances where I can see the era it was written coming through clearly, but this is such a purely fantastical tale of the myth of childhood, that the fantasy and the adventure are what really shine through, and what make it timeless no matter when it is read. This book is well deserving of rediscovery, and every reprinting it has enjoyed.
December 10, 2020
Technically this is a re-read. I read it as a child because my mother owned the book when she was young. For fun, I tried this again. I laughed and shook my head with amusement. The hero, David, is an adorable child. The phoenix is a venerable old creature that just does not understand the needs and wants of a human child. But together they have to foil a fiendish plot by a cruel scientist (not a botanist or a cryptozoologist but a mean-spirited, dangerous scientist). It is a great story with a decent plot and lots of interesting plot points and twists. No gore. No real over the edge, unbelievable actions by the child. A simple story for kids with a few lessons woven into it.
June 22, 2017
This is a "classic" that I had never heard of until it was recommended by a lovely local indie bookstore employee. There are really only two characters- David and the Phoenix! - and the book chronicles their adventures.
I read it to my kids aged almost 5 and 8. I really enjoyed it and found the plot and language delightful. My 4 year old seemed to have a bit of difficulty keeping up with it, but my 8 yo remained engaged throughout. I wouldn't say it captured his imagination the way My Father's Dragon did, but he was interested and enjoyed it! For my part, I really enjoyed it!
I read it to my kids aged almost 5 and 8. I really enjoyed it and found the plot and language delightful. My 4 year old seemed to have a bit of difficulty keeping up with it, but my 8 yo remained engaged throughout. I wouldn't say it captured his imagination the way My Father's Dragon did, but he was interested and enjoyed it! For my part, I really enjoyed it!
March 9, 2018
This was quite possibly my first exposure to mythical creatures and entranced me when I first found the hardback book on a shelf at my grandparent's house. It founds its way to the bookshelves of my own childhood home and later, when my parents were downsizing, I grabbed it in all its tattered, aging glory.
I often think that Dumbledore's phoenix is a secret homage to the original Phoenix who led David through so many adventures.
The artwork is delightful too.
All ages
No sex
I often think that Dumbledore's phoenix is a secret homage to the original Phoenix who led David through so many adventures.
The artwork is delightful too.
All ages
No sex
April 18, 2021
I read this book because it was mentioned in At All Costs, one of the David Weber Honor Harrington novels. She was reading it to her children. I was surprised that I had not read it as a child. It was not that engaging to me. The story is about a school aged boy who encounters the Phoenix while hiking in the hills. They go on a series of adventures while evading a scientist who wants to take the Phoenix as a specimen.
November 2, 2018
Oh, what a wonderful fantasy book from before there was such a genre! My older brothers introduced me to this book as a child and I was captivated. I was also compelled to read up on creatures such as phoenix, griffins, banshees, fauns and nymphs. Beautiful anthropomorphizing and character building of the Phoenix. All in all, a wonderful book.
December 8, 2020
I read this book in grade school, and then read it to my children. I loved it then, and I love it now! It is not written down to a grade school level; it is very readable by adults and young adults.
You can read the plot summary elsewhere. From me I will say it is a magical book about youth, adventure, gaining friendship, losing a friend, and re-birth.
I loved this book.
You can read the plot summary elsewhere. From me I will say it is a magical book about youth, adventure, gaining friendship, losing a friend, and re-birth.
I loved this book.
February 13, 2021
Wonderful story for children of all ages.
The colorful descriptions of something as simple as a breeze make this children's tale come to life. David's friendship with the Phoenix is pure and uncomplicated. Their adventures are wonderful fun. Every child should read this, or, better yet, read to her, over and ovee
The colorful descriptions of something as simple as a breeze make this children's tale come to life. David's friendship with the Phoenix is pure and uncomplicated. Their adventures are wonderful fun. Every child should read this, or, better yet, read to her, over and ovee
May 15, 2022
A copy of this book was given to me by a friend. I was really left wanting through much of the book. I imagine it was a sign of the times, having been written in the 1950s, but I felt as though David’s questions for the events occurring around him were either not answered thoroughly or not answered at all, for him or for us as readers. Chapter 9 was particularly disappointing and frustrating.
August 11, 2022
I loved this story so much that I stole it from my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Clark. I had never even thought of stealing anything before. I just couldn't bring it back. I cried. I still cry when I read it. I pronounced it phonix because I didn't know it was pronounced differently. I recently reread it and I loved it 30 years later. Still cried.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews