Gr 3-6-Edward Ormondroyd's 20-year-old fantasy title (Purple House Press, 2nd ed., 2001) makes a welcome re-appearance in this full-cast recorded version. He narrates it himself, bringing a lively interpretation to his words thanks to an energetic and touching reading. Young Galen Druke reads the part of David, providing a terrific feel for the awe-struck child who desperately wants his novel education to continue with his secret friend, the Phoenix. From their hidden mountain ledge, they launch visits to a Banshee, a Griffon, and other fantastic beings while plotting to avoid discovery by a scientist who wants to kill and study the Phoenix. But as the Phoenix's 500th birthday approaches, he begins to build a huge nest of twigs and branches without quite knowing why. When he and David both realize what is happening, their anguish and sense of loss is apparent. Yet the story ends on a hopeful and even triumphant note of renewal. The recording offers listeners a fine opportunity to become acquainted with this winsome fantasy, perfect for independent or family listening. Classroom use with younger students would provide a great introduction to longer tales from the fantasy genre. School and public libraries will want this for their patrons looking for such offerings.-Jane P. Fenn, Corning-Painted Post West High School, NY Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
David knew that one should be prepared for anything when one climbs a mountain, but he never dreamed what he would find that June morning on the mountain ledge. There stood an enormous bird, with a head like an eagle, a neck like a swan, and a scarlet crest. The most astonishing thing was that the bird had an open book on the ground and was reading from it!
This was David's first sight of the fabulous Phoenix and the beginning of a pleasant and profitable partnership. The Phoenix found a great deal lacking in David's education -- he flunked questions like "How do you tell a true from a false Unicorn?" -- and undertook to supplement it with a practical education, an education that would be a preparation for Life. The education had to be combined with offensive and defensive measures against a Scientist who was bent on capturing the Phoenix, but the two projects together involved exciting and hilarious adventures for boy and bird.
A wonderful read-aloud book, adventurous and very funny, with much of the magic as well as the humor of the fantastic. (Summary from the front flap of the dust jacket.)
David knew that one should be prepared for anything when one climbs a mountain, but he never dreamed what he would find that June morning on the mountain ledge. There stood an enormous bird, with a head like an eagle, a neck like a swan, and a scarlet crest. The most astonishing thing was that the bird had an open book on the ground and was reading from it!
This was David's first sight of the fabulous Phoenix and the beginning of a pleasant and profitable partnership. The Phoenix found a great deal lacking in David's education -- he flunked questions like "How do you tell a true from a false Unicorn?" -- and undertook to supplement it with a practical education, an education that would be a preparation for Life. The education had to be combined with offensive and defensive measures against a Scientist who was bent on capturing the Phoenix, but the two projects together involved exciting and hilarious adventures for boy and bird.
A wonderful read-aloud book, adventurous and very funny, with much of the magic as well as the humor of the fantastic. (Summary from the front flap of the dust jacket.)
