The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring

Title:               The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring
Category:       Picture book
Grade:            K - 4
Author:          Ruth Sanderson
Illustrator:      Ruth Sanderson
Publisher:       Little, Brown & Company
Date:               2001
Pages:             32

Summary:     

A wisdom/fairy tale from Russia that follows young Alexi, a huntsman on an adventure.  After sparing the life of a beautiful golden mare, she advises him to work for the Tsar.  The Tsar, coveting the mare, sends Alexi to capture the glorious Firebird.  Upon Alexi’s success, the Tsar sends him to bring back Yelena the Fair and a magic ring. 

Review:

Alexi’s adventures and a surprise ending make this story a delight to read and a novel departure for many children who may not have encountered Russian literature before.