Firebird

by Saviour Pirotta, Catherine Hyde (Illustrator)

"In the shadow of King Vaslav’s Palace was a marvelous garden, and in the middle of that garden stood a tree that grew apples of solid gold, each one as dazzling as the sun."

Someone is stealing the king’s famous golden apples, and the culprit must be found. The palace gardener spots the luminous Firebird snatching the apples in the night. The king’s two oldest sons are sent to capture it but fail. So Ivan, the youngest son, must go on the dangerous quest, befriending a gray wolf, winning both the Firebird and the heart of the beautiful Princess Helen. Saviour Pirotta’s powerful retelling of this classic folktale plumbs the heart of human fears, courage, and love.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Art, Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Saviour Pirotta is the award-winning author of over one hundred fiction and nonfiction books for children. His works have been translated into 28 languages. Originally from Malta, he now lives in England.

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t think I have read this version of the Russian fairytale of the Firebird. I think they are saying that this is what the ballet Firebird by Stravinsky is based on which I LOVE that piece and the ballet. I didn’t know the story as well.

This story has more to do with the talking grey wolf, in my opinion, than the firebird. The firebird is simply the catalyst and driving force of the story. I also don’t know why the great wolf would want to help this Prince as much as he did all for the price of a horse dinner. It is a very interesting and rather dark tale of there not really being consequences for the main character. Other people get consequences, but because he was willing to make some choices, he gets a pass. It is sort of Machiavellian. I feel like it’s saying Freedom is important … and you can get what you want if you are willing to cheat others. Maybe it’s not really saying that, but…

I never thought about the feathers of a firebird being like a light, but this book uses that to nice effect. It doesn’t get into the legend of the firebird at all really, accept that it likes golden apples and it doesn’t like being in a cage.

Also, the grey wolf always tells the prince exactly what to do and the Prince doesn’t listen over and over and the wolf still helps him. It is odd.

The nephew thought this was a cool story. He thought the wolf should eat the firebird (I didn’t understand that bit of humor he had, but he laughed at himself.) He did like the firebird and thought it was cool. He didn’t care for the Prince and the Princess thing at the end, but he had fun reading this story. He gave this book 3 stars.

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't seen the ballet; perhaps this is the plot. It was a bit different from the tale I'm used to. I don't think I've encountered a version where the wolf transforms into a princess. How would that be staged?

Anyway, 3 stars for the text. Ivan comes across as a real moron in this one, and I saw zero grounds for the instalove between him and the princess.

4 star for the misty, painterly illustrations, which are lovely, although perhaps not ideal for a picture book. I wouldn't try this with very young readers.



Anyone have a recommended performance of this ballet that would be available in recording?

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whoever is eating the golden apples at King Vaslav's palace must be stopped. Nevermind that you have golden feathers.

Beautiful paintings used as illustrations. (Yes, paintings -- each one was named according to the end notes.)

Phoenixes are fun.
You know what, let's just be honest. Problems:
-It wasn't brave for Ivan to chose the path where it's guaranteed his horse will die but he will live.
-When the wolf gives valid instructions, Ivan ignores me. Yet, he's constantly saved by the wolf (who does all the work) and rewarded. Ivan did little to work and his constant requests of the wolf were greedy. When the wolf finally points this out "I have already helped you more than enough," he follows it up by saying they're friends (so a one-sided friendship) and continues to do all the work.
-What I'm calling work was kind of just stealing. Or trickery.
-When did they fall in love? Ivan's just better than Afron, huh Helen?

Although you can't tell from the story, a note explains the tale originated from The Firebird, a ballet to Stravinsky's music. According to the SLJ review, this story differs somewhat from the ballet. Maybe I just need to see it danced.

I don't hate this, it's just as I think of it, the flaws shine through. Sad.

[Kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Apart from an unfortunate penchant for devouring horses, the Wolf is clearly the hero of the story. I'm interested in reading other versions of this tale, though: is Prince Ivan always such a dolt?

[Mary Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did, but it honestly felt like reading a fairytale in the best way. Firebird is a retelling of a Russian folktale, but it still felt fresh and emotional. The story is about Prince Ivan, who’s sent on a mission to find the magical Firebird. He faces challenges, meets magical creatures, and learns that being kind and smart matters more than just following orders. It’s a simple story, but the way it’s told makes it feel meaningful. The main themes are courage, kindness, and making your own choices. I felt like those were the biggest takeaways because Ivan didn’t just do what people told him; he listened to his heart. There’s one part where he forgives someone who betrayed him, and it really showed how much he grew. The genre is traditional literature, since it’s based on an old Russian folktale, even though it’s written in a newer way. It was a WOW book for me because of how pretty the artwork was and because the message about loyalty and kindness stuck with me.

Two things I took from this book were:
1. Old stories still hit when they’re told well.
2. Kids could learn a lot about emotional maturity and making thoughtful decisions. I’d use this book to talk about traditional storytelling or character choices.

The author used imagery and pacing really well. The writing felt calm but still kept my attention, and the descriptions made everything feel dreamy and magical. The illustrations were honestly stunning and matched the mood of the story so well. It won a few awards, like the Aesop Accolade and an Oppenheim Best Book Award, which totally makes sense. It was a short read, but clearly done with care. This book also counts as anti-bias because it introduces Russian culture respectfully. There are no stereotypes, and the characters actually have depth. It’s a nice way to explore a different culture and also talk about things like empathy and staying true to yourself.

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

"for no one likes to live in a cage"

Some BEAUTIFUL illustrations that carry that whole story really ... Not sure it's really a Year 5/6 book, more on the line of Y2/3 ... Watch this space.

6.5/10

[Dione Basseri · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, for a children's book, this is bad. The text is quite long and rambling, and wouldn't keep the attention if you were to read the story to a child. Now, it MIGHT work for older, experienced readers, but it's too complex for early readers, so it being a picture book doesn't fit well, either. Really, the only people I see needing this are those who love the ballet it's based upon, and they're going to buy things no matter the reviews.

The artwork is also pretty bland for a children's book. The shapes are very vague and blurry, with no real emotion. That may be the artist's style, and perhaps fit for a gallery showing, but, in a children's book, again, it does not fit. There's nothing to keep the attention of young readers. So many images are just close-ups of faces or long shots of scenery, lending nothing much to the tale.

If it's in your library and you pick it up, try it. But I'm not sending anyone out to give it a shot, and I certainly don't recommend a purchase unless you know it will be loved.

[CalamityMane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not really sure why this is called "Firebird" since the firebird features so little in the story. Grey Wolf is more hero than villain and Prince Ivan is more of a greedy, needy child than a hero. His difficult quest is only difficult because he does not heed warnings nor resist temptation. And why does the princess love Ivan anymore than she should King Afron? Prince Ivan is only slightly clever and then everything he gains he gains through Grey Wolf (almost always forgetting his promise to Grey Wolf each time). For his greed, kidnapping and thievery? He's rewarded more than he was promised, gained a wife and was gifted the firebird. Prince Ivan decides to set the bird free, which is supposed to be a magnanimous gesture. Never mind that bird wasn't trapped before he took her home in a cage (she left from and returned each night to that cage).

I know, it's a fairytale, but I like my fairy tales to reward the rightful hero.

Lovely paintings, though.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richly illustrated, this story of the Firebird ballet comes to life in the telling of this Russian tale of three princes who set out to capture the Firebird that is stealing their father’s golden apples. As the first two sons easily give up, the third prince Ivan takes a calculated risk and his bravery is rewarded by a friendship with a magical wolf who guides him through an adventure that takes him to three kingdoms where he does the bidding of three rulers in order to obtain the riches he needs to acquire the Firebird. This fairy tale is sure to hold your audience’s attention as well as open up the world of ballet to them.

[Lauren Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This retelling lacks the initiative to modernize or at least synthesize where elements of the story have either been lost through translation, passage of time or changes in culture. The hero appears ungrateful until the final page of the book. The narrative follows the plodding step by step elements of the common fairy tale formula where the two older brothers are unworthy, the younger is worthy but overlooked, a princess falls instantly in love, there are a series of tasks, blah blah blah. What works for a ballet or folk tale does not necessarily work in a picture book and the story sacrifices cohesion and depth in favor of authenticity.

[RLL 520 Sharonda Kimbrough · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone is stealing apples from the kings garden! He offers half of his kingdom to whichever of his sons can catch the culprit.The kings youngest son Ivan takes on the challenge with the help of a grey wolf after his brothers fail. Who will catch the amazing firebird and what other treasures will they find along the way? In the end, who's the true hero? This is a beautifully illustrated book that can be used in a 1st through 5th grade classroom.

[Penny Bookreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that pushes the envelope. It's a picture book but the text is way longer than in others. That's because it's meant for older reluctant readers. Hence, the pictures are actually sophisticated paintings. I've seen the kids in the school where I work pore over this book and had to try it myself. Believe me, it's a great reads.

[Christina Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retelling of the Russian folktale, accompanied by beautiful paintings. The spread of the firebird is truly awe-inspiring, but I found many of the other illustrations unclear. I love this story, and the ballet, but I feel as if this picture book is aimed at older children or adults, rather than those new to the story.

[Chicco Padovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stupendo! Le opere pittoriche di Catherine Hyde, già illustratrice de The princess’ blankets, sono una meraviglia. Quanto al testo di Piotta si ispira alla versione russa della fiaba, che non conoscevo.

[Mercy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures, good adaptation and notes

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover artwork caught my eye. The story, a Russian folktale, swept me along. The artwork in the book itself was wonderful.

[Sandra Dias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mais uma versão da fábula da fénix. Desta vez é a fábula que inspirou Stravinsky.

Esta edição é de delirar com ilustrações lindas e etéreas de Catherine Hyde.

Muito bonito mesmo.

[Tanya Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is long for a picture book but it’s perfect for older children.

[Rosie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story of the firebird appears in folk tales across the globe, such as Egypt, Greece, Eastern Europe and Russia. The firebird is often used to represent wealth or good fortune.

In this story, the firebird has been stealing King Vaslav’s golden skinned apples and his sons try to capture the bird in return for portions of their fathers kingdom. The youngest son tries to get the bird but as each turn is asked to get something else in return. Ignoring the warnings of the Grey Wolf he is often captured before setting on his next journey. In the end he collects all of his bounties and returns how with both the bird and a wife.

This folk tale doesn’t really speak to me but the illustrations are beautiful paintings which would be nice to look at in art sessions.

[Caroline Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

This tale of the firebird by Pirotta, tells the adventures of one of the King’s sons, showing courage, determine and an inner strength to search for the firebird, where his brothers failed. On his travels he faces difficult consequences, but his bravery and courage leads him to the great grey wolf, who helps him with his quests and become great friends. A lovely, warming story, complimented with beautiful art, illustrated throughout the book by artist Catherine Hyde.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sumptuous re-telling of the Firebird legend, beautifully illustrated.

[Marie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by JustImagine Centre's website when it first came out. The reviewer called the text 'word perfect' and the pictures 'sublime.' My son brought it home from school recently and I can see why it is considered so good. It pushes the envelope with a story that's way longer than most other picture books. The illustrations are sophisticated and painterly. We read it over four nights and look forward to discovering more Russian folktales.

[Leanne Proctor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautiful book is well illustrated and tells the tales of Ivan and his adventure. Reading age I would recommend for year 3 plus and to incorporate it in literacy lessons and art lessons. A good read for the whole class.

[Cambridge College · Rating 4 out of 5]

1-3 readers