Phoebe and the River Flute

by M.C. Helldorfer

Phoebe has always cared for the captive birds of the royal garden. Her friend, the prince, often visits her there, and together they dream of exploring the world beyond the kingdom. But when the king dies, the prince leaves his uncle in charge, and sets off alone. As keeper of the birds, Phoebe must remain within the garden's high walls.

Three years pass. A prize bird escapes, but  another, the rare River Flute, arrives in the land. Phoebe agrees to the uncle's if she captures the River Flute, she'll gain her freedom. If not, she'll be punished.

Phoebe gladly sets out on her search, but the hardest part of her journey is just beginning.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 2000

About the author

Mary-Claire Helldorfer has written numerous books for children and young adults. She lives in Baltimore, MD.

She also writes under the pseudonym of Elizabeth Chandler.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, at least it didn't end with Phoebe marrying the tool prince.

Although the uncle is portrayed as the villain, and is indeed a pretty worthless character, I felt the Prince was nearly as much to blame since he choose to not only ditch all his responsibilities but apparently didn't give a second thought about what would happen to his non-aristocratic friend when he left. What a selfish jerk.

I am making up my own ending for this one. The bird the River Flute is magical and turns Phoebe turns into a bird. She flies off to freedom and becomes the protector of hunted things everywhere.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very pretty art, but the story didn't make a lot of sense. How did Phoebe end up being the guardian of the birds? Was she surrendered by her parents as a baby? Why did the prince not return on his own after leaving, and why was he living as a hunter in the woods? Seems like a jerk decision to abandon his kingdom. He wasn't a good friend or prince. Phoebe is better off exploring the world.