Review: Fabulous Firebird
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 24, 2013
I bought Firebird: Adventure One for my younger son, and it is now his new favourite book. This from a young boy who is most likely to be found on some computer device or watching the likes of Power Rangers on TV.Julia Gousseva has taken a traditional Russian fairy tale and brought it to life for a whole swathe of new readers from all over the world. I am not familiar with Russian folklore, but this book has certainly made me want to read more.The story itself is absolutely charming, about brother and sister Alex and Katie who go and stay with their rather odd Aunt Karina when their mother and father have to go away on a trip.The language is really engaging, as are the characters and the more magical beings in the story, the nasty witch Baba Yaga and the beautiful Firebird whose feathers heal.Firebird: Adventure One totally captivated my boy (and me!) and it is truly a wonderful, delightful thing to find such a good tale to snuggle up with, and watch a little one's eyes grow wider and ask what you think is going to happen next.Colourful, new and eminently engaging, I can highly recommend this book for both younger and older readers.And the most important question, 'which was your best bit?' (which is what my son always wants me to ask him) - without doubt, the Firebird. And the painting through which brother and sister step to enter into another realm. And then, 'can we get one of those in our house, mummy?'Perfect!