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Adventures of Alex and Katie #1-3
Firebird / Lollipop / Snowdrops
Adventures of Alex and Katie is a unique, fascinating and exciting series that takes young kids on a journey into the magical world of Russian fairy tales.
Praise for the series from Amazon Top
"Julia Gousseva has done an excellent job here in writing a great story and one that I can recommend. This book serves as an excellent read but more so than that, as an introduction to a genre of literature that is satisfyingly refreshing. I am most definitely looking forward to reading more stories like this one."
-- Dennis Waller, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer
"The interaction of the children with the book opens the idea of taking part in
the story, which encourages us to get involved and make the connection to our
own life and choices; but it may also spurn on the talented reader to think
about writing stories themselves."
-- ChristophFischerBooks, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer
"Highly recommended for parents who are looking for a fun, exciting adventure to read to their children and grandchildren."
-- EbooksReloaded Reviews
"Firebird by Julia-Gousseva is an admirable undertaking, striving to update one of the most fascinating fairytales in literature, and make it accessible to young readers."
-- Uvi Poznansky, Amazon Reviewer
"This is a brilliant take an old fairy tale and update it in such a way that it would be interesting for kids to read it. Let's face it, kids today won't sit through most of the classic fairy-tale stories. So, the author takes
'Once upon a time, there lived a father with three sons. The father had a garden where golden apples grew. One night, the apples started disappearing. The father ordered his sons to catch the thief. The oldest son stood guard the first night, but fell asleep and did not see the thief. Etc. etc etc.'
And turns it into
'Are you ready for a little adventure? If you are, you can go in.
Rule Come back as soon as you get the feather.
Rule Don't talk to old ladies. They can be dangerous.'
There's also a little hint of The Chronicles of Narnia in this book, which would make kids relate to the story much more readily; and some humor for a good
'...we got a little lost.'
'And now you may get a little eaten!!'
-- Oleg Medvedkov, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer
Praise for the series from Amazon Top
"Julia Gousseva has done an excellent job here in writing a great story and one that I can recommend. This book serves as an excellent read but more so than that, as an introduction to a genre of literature that is satisfyingly refreshing. I am most definitely looking forward to reading more stories like this one."
-- Dennis Waller, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer
"The interaction of the children with the book opens the idea of taking part in
the story, which encourages us to get involved and make the connection to our
own life and choices; but it may also spurn on the talented reader to think
about writing stories themselves."
-- ChristophFischerBooks, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer
"Highly recommended for parents who are looking for a fun, exciting adventure to read to their children and grandchildren."
-- EbooksReloaded Reviews
"Firebird by Julia-Gousseva is an admirable undertaking, striving to update one of the most fascinating fairytales in literature, and make it accessible to young readers."
-- Uvi Poznansky, Amazon Reviewer
"This is a brilliant take an old fairy tale and update it in such a way that it would be interesting for kids to read it. Let's face it, kids today won't sit through most of the classic fairy-tale stories. So, the author takes
'Once upon a time, there lived a father with three sons. The father had a garden where golden apples grew. One night, the apples started disappearing. The father ordered his sons to catch the thief. The oldest son stood guard the first night, but fell asleep and did not see the thief. Etc. etc etc.'
And turns it into
'Are you ready for a little adventure? If you are, you can go in.
Rule Come back as soon as you get the feather.
Rule Don't talk to old ladies. They can be dangerous.'
There's also a little hint of The Chronicles of Narnia in this book, which would make kids relate to the story much more readily; and some humor for a good
'...we got a little lost.'
'And now you may get a little eaten!!'
-- Oleg Medvedkov, Amazon Top 500 Reviewer
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 5, 2014
9 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Julia Gousseva
25 books33 followersJulia Gousseva was born and raised in Russia when it was still a part of the Soviet Union, or USSR. For a long time, Russia was hidden behind the Iron Curtain and had a mysterious image of the Evil Empire to many Westerners, specifically Americans. But Russia was a mystery not just to outsiders, but to its own people as well. One of Julia's college history professors used to refer to Russia as a country with unpredictable past. Why? Because every time a new leader came to power, all state-issued history books were changed and rewritten. And all history books were state-issued.
Julia's novel MOSCOW DREAMS is set in Russia and presents life from the perception of everyday people whose lives were dramatically altered by events that have changed and are still changing Russia. Julia's short story collection titled TWELVE MONTHS OF THE SOVIET CHILDHOOD shows life in the Soviet Union before the changes and offer a child's perspective. Her children's stories put whimsical characters from old Russian fairy-tales in modern circumstances for today's kids.
Julia's novel MOSCOW DREAMS is set in Russia and presents life from the perception of everyday people whose lives were dramatically altered by events that have changed and are still changing Russia. Julia's short story collection titled TWELVE MONTHS OF THE SOVIET CHILDHOOD shows life in the Soviet Union before the changes and offer a child's perspective. Her children's stories put whimsical characters from old Russian fairy-tales in modern circumstances for today's kids.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 9, 2016
Adventures of Alex and Katie: Books 1-3 (Firebird, Lollipop, Snowdrops)
A great and well-written set of tales 5*****
Without doubt, Firebird, Lollypop and Snowdrops are a wonderfully entertaining set of stories and a must-read for people of all ages with an interest in fantasy. Nicely descriptive tales, which will draw you inside the pages of these magical books.
The characters are strong and well defined- you can't help but walk alongside Alex, Katie and aunt Karina. The author makes you 'want' to go into the house and 'have' to peer inside the old thick book. The story tells and fills the soul with magic and lessons to be learned as the quest progresses. Overspilling with tradition, morals friendship and wishes for both children and adults.
Any fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, Grimm or Hans Christian Anderson will be taken with this mystical book.
Gousseva has crafted an amazing variation of old Russian tales that will entertain all ages.
I can't help but love the covers. The colourful but flat and restrained image inspires any magical read and conveys a number of thoughts to me. Stemming from the most decorative oriental 18th century porcelains and the finest silk embroideries.
Such a special 'feel' to the writing and I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone with magic in their heart.
A great and well-written set of tales 5*****
Without doubt, Firebird, Lollypop and Snowdrops are a wonderfully entertaining set of stories and a must-read for people of all ages with an interest in fantasy. Nicely descriptive tales, which will draw you inside the pages of these magical books.
The characters are strong and well defined- you can't help but walk alongside Alex, Katie and aunt Karina. The author makes you 'want' to go into the house and 'have' to peer inside the old thick book. The story tells and fills the soul with magic and lessons to be learned as the quest progresses. Overspilling with tradition, morals friendship and wishes for both children and adults.
Any fan of The Chronicles of Narnia, Grimm or Hans Christian Anderson will be taken with this mystical book.
Gousseva has crafted an amazing variation of old Russian tales that will entertain all ages.
I can't help but love the covers. The colourful but flat and restrained image inspires any magical read and conveys a number of thoughts to me. Stemming from the most decorative oriental 18th century porcelains and the finest silk embroideries.
Such a special 'feel' to the writing and I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone with magic in their heart.
February 28, 2018
Firebird Adventure One by Julia Gousseva
This book starts out with Alex and Katie and they are done with school for the summer months.
When their parents spoke Russian they knew something was going to happen and fast....Their Teeeeeeemom told them they'd be leaving for urgent business in Russia, the kids to stay at Aunt Karina's house.
Kids knew she was weird and that was the end of a fun summer....the kids find the Russian fairytale book. It's about stories that are worn out at the end and they figure out a way to finish them....
Only two rules to follow when they go through the portal but they don't do the rules....
Offer of a free book. Table of contents listed at the end.
Great middle age chapter reading book.
The Lollipop Adventure Two by Julia Gousseva
Free book offer. Starts out with Alex waking up and going to talk to Katie about their adventure of the night before.
Brother and sister were at Aunt Karina's house for the summer because their parents had to go back to Russia.
Lots of magical things happen and they want to help others in the folk fairytales have a happy ending.
They head off to a far away land and come across things they don't know about. Good fairy tale. Table of contents listed at the end.
Great middle age chapter reading book.
Snowdrops Adventure Three by Julia Gousseva
This adventure starts with a story from their aunt about snowdrops and the story is worn out so the kids must go back and finish it.
They head through the portal behind the fireplace and start the new adventure. Love the part about the snowdrops but also learned a few things.
Love the Northern Lights and have yet to see them for myself, maybe one day. Love how the months of the year come together for one day, so cool.
Such cool adventure stories that are read wihin an hour.
Table of contents at the end . Great middle age chapter reading book.
This book starts out with Alex and Katie and they are done with school for the summer months.
When their parents spoke Russian they knew something was going to happen and fast....Their Teeeeeeemom told them they'd be leaving for urgent business in Russia, the kids to stay at Aunt Karina's house.
Kids knew she was weird and that was the end of a fun summer....the kids find the Russian fairytale book. It's about stories that are worn out at the end and they figure out a way to finish them....
Only two rules to follow when they go through the portal but they don't do the rules....
Offer of a free book. Table of contents listed at the end.
Great middle age chapter reading book.
The Lollipop Adventure Two by Julia Gousseva
Free book offer. Starts out with Alex waking up and going to talk to Katie about their adventure of the night before.
Brother and sister were at Aunt Karina's house for the summer because their parents had to go back to Russia.
Lots of magical things happen and they want to help others in the folk fairytales have a happy ending.
They head off to a far away land and come across things they don't know about. Good fairy tale. Table of contents listed at the end.
Great middle age chapter reading book.
Snowdrops Adventure Three by Julia Gousseva
This adventure starts with a story from their aunt about snowdrops and the story is worn out so the kids must go back and finish it.
They head through the portal behind the fireplace and start the new adventure. Love the part about the snowdrops but also learned a few things.
Love the Northern Lights and have yet to see them for myself, maybe one day. Love how the months of the year come together for one day, so cool.
Such cool adventure stories that are read wihin an hour.
Table of contents at the end . Great middle age chapter reading book.
May 14, 2014
Three exciting adventures! When the parents of ten-year-old Alex and his nine-year-old sister Katie have to go to Russia, the children are deposited for the summer holidays with their aunt Karina. And, boy, what a holiday! They go through a door in the fireplace, and discover a painting depicting a folk tale they can step into…They do this on three occasions, and each time the painting is different, each time there is a new adventure…On one occasion it is a portal into the mystical world of the Firebird and the magically-healing power of its feathers. But Alex and Katie forget to heed aunt Karina’s warning not to linger after getting hold of a feather. Then their scary adventures begin…centred on a gnarled old witch, Baba Yaga. Another tale tells of the love between a fisherman and a princess; the children, with the aid of Leshi, a friendly hybrid, try to make sure everything turns out right for the two lovers, despite the opposition of the selfish tsar, the princess’s father. The final story is of Masha, and her evil step-mother who sends her out into the forest to collect snowdrops. With the help of Father Frost, the children have to warn her about the storm that is coming. There are fantastic descriptions of a journey through the seasons. These are wonderfully-told tales, full of ingenuity, magic and humor. A delight.
January 19, 2014
A great collection, well executed. These short chapter books are updated and reworked versions of old Russian tales. Two innocent kids, Katie and Alex, are being put up against the evil witch and face other challenges that reminded me of classic scenarios in children's stories that work great again in this book. The stories are not only entertaining and beautifully written, but they have the magic and wishes that all children love to hear about, as did my son when I read him this ebook. We were both happy to have spent time in this magical world with Alex and Katie, and are looking forward to more adventures with them.
March 11, 2014
I LOVED IT
I chose this rating because these series of books, they taught lessons, and these lessons were terrific. I'm a kid and I am 10 years old, and I think these series of books are inspiring teaching kids probably younger than me that dreams come true.
I chose this rating because these series of books, they taught lessons, and these lessons were terrific. I'm a kid and I am 10 years old, and I think these series of books are inspiring teaching kids probably younger than me that dreams come true.
August 18, 2014
My son chose these as his first chapter books. He loved them! The lollipop book was his favorite of the series.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews