The Firework-Maker's Daughter

Rating:
Summary: Reminded me of James Thurber and L. Frank Baum
Review: "The Firework Maker's Daughter" is a rollicking fairy tale that reminded me of James Thurber's fairy tales like "The White Deer" and "The Thirteen Clocks". It also reminded me a bit of the Oz books. I loved Rambishi the bumbling pirate, and the fireworks display at the end, especially the Bombardenorgelmitsparkenpumpe. This story is much lighter than Pullman's other works, but just as inventive. It would make a great read-aloud story.

Rating:
Summary: Reminded me of James Thurber and L. Frank Baum
Review: "The Firework Maker's Daughter" is a rollicking fairy tale that reminded me of James Thurber's fairy tales like "The White Deer" and "The Thirteen Clocks". It also reminded me a bit of the Oz books. I loved Rambishi the bumbling pirate, and the fireworks display at the end, especially the Bombardenorgelmitsparkenpumpe. This story is much lighter than Pullman's other works, but just as inventive. It would make a great read-aloud story.

Rating:
Summary: 'The Firework-Maker's Daughter'
Review: I found this book to be written slightly different than others written by Philip Pullman, but still very enjoyable. The story, although short, was still adventurous and fun and the characters were developed very well.

Rating:
Summary: Explosive!
Review: Marvelous tale involves Hamlet, the king's talking white elephant, who escapes with his personal servant to search for a missing friend, Lila, the firework-maker's daughter.

It is told with humorous twists in the style of an ancient legend. The illustrations by Gallagher are extraordinarily wonderful graphite drawings which have a photographic quality and a mythical look of their own.

Eminently readable by ages 10 through adult.

Rating:
Summary: Another delightful tale from Philip Pullman
Review: Philip Pullman never ceases to amaze me with his versatility-- from the complex His Dark Materials series, to his gothic (and surprisingly funny) Count Karlestein, to the creepy Clockwork... The Firework-Maker's Daughter is different from anything I've read by Pullman before, and yet it possesses his trademark wit. Short and aimed at a younger audience, The Firework-Maker's Daughter is nonetheless a lot of fun for even older readers. Lila and her various friends and types of fireworks are absolutely charming. While Pullman's tone is decidedly more satirical than Lloyd Alexander's, if you liked either Alexander's quest-type books or Philip Pullman's other works, you'll enjoy this one.

Rating:
Summary: A disappointment of the masterful Pullman's stories
Review: The Fiewwork-Maker's Daughter, unfortunately, was a very disappointing, predictable read -- and I really expected more from Philip Pullman, who is such a master at writing top-notch stories with a wonderful zest. The characters are weak, which is unusual in Philip Pullman's writing -- unlike the His Dark Materials trilogy, the characters are too rushed tn personality and the story jumps right at the start. The plot, although very well thought out, is disappointingly short and makes me wonder if Philip Pullman ever wrote the story. Lila's journey to learn the secret of firework making is far too rushed and roughly a follow-up of Lyra's amazing adventure in THE GOLDEN COMPASS. I expected more in this book , and although it is a very satisfying read for younger readers, most of Philip Pullman's readers may end up being disappointed. Philip Pullman had done far better and has crafted ingenious stories such as HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy (The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass), of which The Fireworker Maker's Daughter is virtually INCOMPARABLE to. I know that Pullman has done far better, and continues to do so -- his other books are marvelous, full of plots that are masterfully crafted and beautifully written. Every author has his or her one disappointent ; in The Firework Maker's Daugher, this was the case.

Rating:
Summary: Fun Fairy Tale
Review: This is a fun fairy tale for parents who read to their children each evening. It has the cultural element that Harry Potter misses (HP is more emphatic on dark sorcery -- my kids were more horrified by it than anything) and seems to inspire charming dreams -- something a bedtime story should do. Almost an "Amy Tam" book for kids. The illustrations are so beautiful that the kids stay mesmorized sitting on the sofa and don't want to miss a single one. Good work, Pullman & Gallagher! -- T.A. Behrens, Ph.D.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent children's fable
Review: This is a lovely example of a children's 'fairy tale' or fable. Although not as complex as his dark materials trilogy, it's also quite short, this is still a good story. Adults uninterested in folktales may not be enamoured, but it should certainly appeal to the younger kids. Certainly as bedtime story for the 7 year olds (+ or - a few years), and could quite possibly appeal to those enjoying Harry Potter. Would probably make a good short film.