THE STORY OF PRINCE IVAN, THE FIREBIRD AND THE GRAY WOLF

by Thomas--Trans. Whitney ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 19, 1968

A story abounding in splendid effects has been illustrated with a restraint approaching austerity, and the result is a book which is memorable for more than its beauty. It is the wolf, lean and quick-silver smart, who is the real hero, as he should be--Prince Ivan, the impetuous epitome of youth, is fortunate to have his friendship. The tale follows the Prince in his successive quest for the firebird, the steed with the golden mane, and the beautiful Princess Elena, each time assisted and then saved by the gray wolf whose warnings he ignores; when he has secured all three, he is stabbed by his jealous brothers, brought back to life and Princess Elena through the final intercession of the gray wolf. What is well told by Mr. Whitney is fearsomely or amusingly or tenderly demonstrated in Nonny Hogrogian's watercolor-and-line drawings. Each king and each courtier is an individual weakling, throwing the loyal wolf and modest Princess and protective Prince into relief, and neither bird nor steed outshines them. Only one word will do in summation: outstanding.

Pub Date: April 19, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Scribners

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1968

Categories: CHILDREN'S