David and the Phoenix

By: Edward Ormondroyd

Narrated by: Edward Ormondroyd, the Full Cast Family

Length: 3 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

When David finally has a chance to climb the mountain behind his new home he has no idea he is about to meet a fabulous mythical creature. Even if he had known, who could have guessed that a Phoenix would turn out to be so stuffy, so pompous - and so utterly endearing? (To say nothing of its fondness for Aunt Amy's sugar cookies!)

When the Phoenix decides to take a hand in David's education the adventures - and the hilarity - really begin. Alas, the wonderful visits to griffons, sea monsters, and banshees will come to a crashing halt if the scientist stalking the Phoenix is successful.

A tale filled with high humor and deep humanity, this much-beloved classic springs to new life in a full cast recording that features the author himself as narrator.

©2000 Edward Ormondroyd (P)2002 Full Cast Audio

Critic reviews

"An absolute keeper for all ages." (AudioFile)
"Edward Ormondroyd has written a stimulating, ageless story. It combines beautiful writing, topnotch adventure, and enchanting fantasy." (Chicago Tribune)

Love this book

I absolutely loved this book as a child and I still enjoy the magic it holds.

A book everybody must read young & old

This fun to read book has lots of great life lessons and is a must read reguardless if you are young or young at heart. David goes on many adventures with The Phoenix and there is a great lesson to be learned with each one. I think this book needs to be listened to by anyone who has ever lost a loved one, human or animal, or great for those who will lose someone in the future. I listened to this wonderful production just as if I was a kid again. Eyes wide open, sitting on the couch amazed at what was going on, and waiting to find out what was next.
The book paints some beautiful pictures in that movie of the mind and even better, its narrated by the author, you just can't ask for much more than that.

Wonderful book. Ruined by this audio.

What a shame. This is a wonderful book had a wonderful story but this audio gets in the way of the story. The different characters voices are unnecessary and feel insincere. The main narrators style is condescending, as if he's telling the story to a two-year-old. This is not a book for a two-year-old. This is not on a level with Winnie the Pooh but more like Harriet the spy or a story and older child can really get into. It would've been much better with one reader who told the story sincerely. I read this to everyone of my children, nieces and those I babysit for is a teenager. I wish audible had let me do it :).
My recommendation is to buy the book and read it to your child yourself. You will both enjoy the experience.

Loved It!

We listened to this in the car on the way to/from school. The kids would race to the car each day so we could resume the story.

classic book

the book is a real treat while being actually narrated by the author. excellent work

Best for children ages 6 and up

Best for children who go to woldorf school but over all great!!!
I my self loved this book

My very favorite children's book!

This ia a wonderful children's adventure book!
I fell in love with this story when my fourth grade teacher read this book to my class.
The storyline, set in the 20th century, created great empathy for it's main characters while it introduced and educated me to ancient mythological creatures.
I loved this book so much that as a mature adult I bought several old copies via Amazon.
My husband use to read it outloud to our two grade school sons before bedtime and this book was one of their most requested.
This audio reading is lovely.
When my grade school age grandchildren visit us, I lend them each a hard copy of the book with it's wonderful drawings and play the Audible reading and they enjoy following along.

Loved it as a kid

Love it as a 69 year old lady. Wish I could find more like this.

Only for young children

I chose this book because, although an adult, I enjoy classic children's literature, such as the works of C.S. Lewis and Robert Louis Stevenson. "David and the Phoenix" was a disappointment (to my admittedly high standards). Although the sound quality and reading are good, I gave up on the story out of boredeom after about 45 minutes. This may be great for young children (I wouldn't know) but not for adults.

Loved this book as a 1st grader! Not so much now..

I waited soooo long for this book to be revived since it went out of print. Good book for small kids (under 10). The narration however , I'm sorry, is: hideous. Ruined the audio for me. Ridiculous voice for the phoenix and read by the author. Really! So obnoxious and over-done. Such a shame.

If you can stand the goofy voice quality of a creature that is supposed to be awe inspiring your kids will have fun with the story (think stuck-up arrogant Barney), but honestly I would suggest YOU read this book to your child or THEY read it for themselves.

Funny that as a kid I had more respect for a lead character in the book than the author shows himself. Quite a let down.