The Tale of the Firebird

"Why is he naked?" Emme asked. Because in one of the many exquisite paintings by the magnificent artist & story-teller Gennady Spirin the witch Baba Yaga would help the honest, kind, brave but perhaps a bit too attracted to gold Price Ivan Tsarevitch only if he would leap into a huge cauldron steaming over a fire in the wildest forest.All of the pages in this marvelous book are graced with brilliantly conceived, meticulously drawn margin illustrations and paintings that move the story of this young prince along as swiftly as the sky-touching leaps of his friend, The Great Wolf. It all begins, as Spirin tells the story, with the snatching of the Tsar's golden fruit by the incandescent firebird. On seeing the one gorgeous tail feather gathered by Price Ivan Tsarevitch, the Tsar sends his three sons out to bring him the firebird.The story tells only about the youngest prince, who charms kings and sultans but in the first two of his adventures, gets himself into deep trouble by failing to listen to the Great Wolf, and by the glitter of gold. There IS a reward for courage, steadfastness, and truthfulness, however, so the lovely story told in beautiful language, enchants and teaches.This is a legacy book, a treasure as light-bringing as the Firebird. I will be following up by showing my grandchildren the ballet and playing the music that one can almost hear, reading Gennady's Spirin's marvelous telling of old Russian stories.Any Alerts? None at all. Thank you, Gennady Spirin

The book is beautiful. The illustrations are vibrant, and the story was a lovely read. It also came in perfect condition. It was for a gift and it made a good impression.

I feel bad deducting a point from a book of such beauty it's a privilege to own it. But as a total book with text and pictures, it's not entirely satisfactory.The trouble is that Spirin, in conflating a few different tales, produced a crowded story line, with characters - like the notorious Baba Yaga - not properly introduced and therefore not comprehensible. Just who is Koshchei the Immortal? A demon? How does he 'spot' Yelena the Beautiful? Through a window? It's as if he was so keen to illustrate all these characters that he just had to cram them in, but the storyline suffers. The fire bird itself gets pretty short shrift because there is so much to fit in.Anyway, never mind. The artwork is just such a joy, and the puzzles it leaves in your mind inspire you - and, with luck, will inspire children (mine is still a little young for this) - to look elsewhere for answers about these characters.

Gave this as a gift beautiful artwork.

Sweet book. Was hoping the illustrations would be the bright ones I remember from my youth. These are a little dim, but for the price, it's still a sweet coffee table book.

I listened to Russian folk tales in Russian and read them as a child. In September this year, I bought this book for my 7 year old son. The illustrations are exquisite and beautifully drawn. The story was originally in Russian and I have read and re-read the story to my son and every time he has enjoyed it and he loves the illustrations, each time there seems to be some new detail in a page. To me the story in English didn't seem to have the same interest level as it may have been in its original version, nevertheless; it is book not just a child would enjoy but an adult too, this is definitely a book to keep for years to come.

This Russian folk tale is simply written and, with the exception of Russian names, easy for a child to follow. But it is the illustrations by Gennady Spirin that make this book a must have for lovers of exceptional artwork. It is just a delight.

Absolutely beautiful illustrations in this book, like renaissance art. Recommend for ages 2-16 because of the artwork. Reading level is about 3-4 th grade. I absolutely love the books by Spirin, beautiful art in them. Also recommend Cupid and Psyche, and the 12 dancing princesses.

Absolutely exquisite pictures. Really gorgeous book.

Illustrations are superb but l feel that the print quality of this book for price could be a lot better! Not particularly clear.

Stunning book. Art work glorious.

Love Gennady Spirin Illustrations plus these are classic stories. Good service from seller.

Lovely illustrations