The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring

The Golden Mare, the Firebird, and the Magic Ring by Ruth Sanderson
Publisher: Little Brown and Company
Copyright: 2001
Number of Pages:29
Age: 10-12 years
Genre: Fantasy

Summary:
In this story it was about a man named Alexi who wanted an adventure. He came across the most beautiful horse while he was looking for an adventure while hunting. As he put his bow up the horse told him that she would help him with what he desired if he spared her life. So he did. He got on the horse and took Alexi to a kingdom where the king was looking for the best huntsman. Alexi was hired once he arrived, but the king loved Alexi's horse and wanted to buy it. Alexi said that the horse wouldn't listen to anyone else but Alexi. Bitter by this the king sends Alexi out to retrieve something from a hunt. As Alexi goes out he finds a beautiful feather from the Firebird. The king says bring me the whole bird or off with your head. So the horse helps Alexi get the firebird and he brings the bird to the king. The king being still bitter says that he wants the princesses in the far land as a bride. So Alexi goes after this maiden and once he gets to her he tells her that the king wants her to come and see the Firebird that all are coming to see. She decides to go with Alexi but Alexi feels bad not telling of the kings real intentions. When they arrive the king was surprised and said "my bride!". The princess says that she won't marry anyone without her grandmothers ring at the bottom of he Suns water. Alexi goes and gets the ring but the princess will still not marry because he is too old. She makes up a bath and says if you get into this bath it will make you young again. The king wanted it tested so he sends Alexi into the bath and he came out a little bit younger, but still a man. So the king jumps in and when he comes out he is a baby. The king was then too young to rule so Alexi was made king and he married the princess and they raised the former king as their child.

Who would benefit from this book?
Anyone could benefit from this book. Its just a fun story line to follow. Its pretty easy to follow along and I think that little children would be able to understand whats going on and be able to get something out of it.

What problems might this cause?
This book to me doesn't seem to cause any problems.

My reaction:
I enjoyed this book because it was a creative story line and it was fun to look at. It had a totally different ending then what I would have thought would happen. Those are the kind of stories that are worth reading!