Review: Like an old canvas being restored...
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 8, 2013
This is a brilliant idea: take an old fairy tale and update it in such a way that it would be interesting for kids to read it. Let's face it, kids today won't sit through most of the classic fairy-tale stories. So, the author takes this:"Once upon a time, there lived a father with three sons. The father had a garden where golden apples grew. One night, the apples started disappearing. The father ordered his sons to catch the thief. The oldest son stood guard the first night, but fell asleep and did not see the thief. Etc. etc etc."And turns it into this:"Are you ready for a little adventure? If you are, you can go in.Rule One: Come back as soon as you get the feather.Rule Two: Don't talk to old ladies. They can be dangerous."There's also a little hint of "The Chronicles of Narnia" in this book, which would make kids relate to the story much more readily; and some humor for a good chuckle:"...we got a little lost.""And now you may get a little eaten!!"And also some potent imagery, sometimes colorful, sometimes spooky:"The bird was more colorful than any bird Alex had ever seen. Its feathers were bright red, orange, and yellow. The tail was blue with some purple.""Right behind the woman was a fence. It was made from tall wooden poles. On top of each pole sat a human skull. Eyeholes of the skulls were glowing with eerie twinkling light."On a private note, I do sympathize with Baba Yaga--bright sun gives me headaches as well."Firebird: Adventure One" is a literary equivalent of an old canvas being restored--a very good contemporary adaptation of an old folk tale. Recommended.