David and the Phoenix

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Summary: The adventures of a boy and his 500 lb fantasy friend.
Review: David discovers the fabulous mythical bird while hiking in an isolated mountain meadow. On the Phoenix's back together they fly to uncover pirate treasure, bargain with powerful witches and soar through adventures all over the planet. Along with the excitement and thrills, David's most important discovery is the richness of a deep and abiding friendship, yet one which inevitably must be impermanent.

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Summary: A book that leaves a lasting impression
Review: I found this book in my Aunt's house when I was a young child, 12 - 15 years ago. "David and the Phoenix" made a lasting impression on me. I never liked to read much, until I read this book. My family lives at the base of a mountain and we did and still do a lot of hiking. Hiking and my love for all animals helped me relate to this book and I have loved to read ever since. My Aunt can't find this book anymore, probably one of her grandchildren got a hold of it, but I wrote down information about the book when I was a kid, hoping to find a copy for myself. I just happened upon that piece of paper and found that it was a 1958 Edition - Selection of the Weekly Reader, Children's Book Club - Education Center published by Follett Publishing Company, Chicago. Manufactured in the United States of America by American Book-Stratford Press, Inc., NY. Published simultaneously in Canada by Ambassador Books, Limited. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 57-8280. I recently tried to find a copy and had no luck. This is my last hope of finding the book so that the children I hope to have someday soon can enjoy it too.

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Summary: Memorable cast of characters, unforgettable ending
Review: "The Phoenix caught David's glance, cleared his throat several times, and looked apologetically at the Sea Monster. `Monster, old chap,' he said soothingly, `I am deeply sorry for having doubted you just now. Deeply sorry.'
`Quite all right.' said the Sea Monster stiffly.
`Yes,' the Phoenix continued, `we both know that you have passed through perilous times, through dagers which (I must confess) would have left me a shattered wreck.'
The Sea Monster sighed sadly, but its whiskers were beginning to rise again."

David has just moved with his family to a new home at the base of a mountain, and he can't wait to explore its heights. While wandering the mountain, he comes upon the Phoenix, a man-sized bird who loves cinnamon and mangles his latin studies. While the Phoenix resists the idea, he soon agrees to give David lessons in life.

This is a great story, because much of it is lighthearted and silly, but then suddenly a very forbidding element enters in the form of the Scientist, who is intent on capturing the Phoenix for his own evil purposes. The book is unexpectedly bittersweet, which makes it very gripping emotionally.

The language is clean and crisp, and the author obviously has fun with the stodgy old bird who uses british phraseology and is comically indignant whenever he is offended.

Another nice touch is the chapter names, which are teasers for what is to come. For example, one chapter is "8, In Which David and the Phoenix Visit a Banshee, and a Surprise is Planted in the Enemies Camp." I wish all children's authors would include names for their chapters; when I was a boy, I distinctly preferred them, as they just seemed to add a bit of flavor to the text.

This is a great read that any young reader will enjoy.


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Summary: Dusting Off My Memories
Review: In 1958-59, when I was a third grader, my teacher read this to our class at Lawrence Elementary which today is a suburb of Indianapolis. I have never forgotten this book and also became a teacher because of the teacher who first read this to us. I believe that every child who longs for a friend, real or imagined, may identify with David and his love for his phoenix. I remember the tears welling up in my eyes as the book neared its conclusion, and it definitely left an impression on me in becoming a sensitive and caring person. I hope this book continues to be shared in homes and in classrooms for many more years to come.

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Summary: Legends Become True!
Review: When I found out I was pregnant, I want to get my baby a copy of books that I grew up on. This by far is one of my favorite books. I can still remember having my 5th grade teacher read this to the class. This book instilled in me my love of reading. BUY IT FOR YOURSELF, YOUR CHILDREN, YOUR GRANDCHILD, who ever you want to.

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Summary: still one of the best stories ever!
Review: this wonderful little book has been tugging at the back of my mind for weeks now. Over 15 years ago, probably 20, as always scouring tag sales for books that would fit my youthful budget, I picked up a copy of this, possibly the original weekly reader release. The cover alone intrigued me. When I sat down to read it I was captivated... this book (and maybe my dad's love of Star Trek) probably began my love of sci-fi and fantasy... I knew there was a reason I keep hearing the part about when the newly born Phoenix brushes David across the forehead, which he feels "burning cooly" afterwards, in my mind... to come here and find out how many other people adore this book! Parents, this book is a must for your childs' collection... I would recommend it for adults, too - if for nothing else than to escape for a while back to our childhoods... now you must excuse me while I frantically look for my copy!!