Earlier this week I read a little book that made me laugh right out loud. I just love that … finding books that make me laugh. This one was a fun book by Philip Pullman called The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, and is quite timely, since today is the 4th of July with lots of fireworks around here!
“A thousand miles ago, in a country east of the jungle and south of the mountains, there lived a firework-maker called Lalchand and his daughter, Lila.”
It’s a humorous tale, the story of a daughter who wants to be a fireworks-maker like her father. Lila grew up helping her father create wonderful fireworks. She is very creative and invents some magical concoctions, such as her “Tumbling Demons” and “Shimmering Coins” displays.
But her father thinks that he will have a very difficult time finding a husband for her if she becomes a firework-maker and has singed eyebrows and burned fingers, so he refuses to teach her the most important secret. However, she won’t take no for an answer and sets off seeking the one thing every master firework-maker needs — royal sulfur. Lila meets many humorous characters on this quest who help her learn exactly what it takes to become a great firework-maker.
I loved this character, with her persistence and her spunk, and enjoyed the story with it’s humor and it’s very positive messages. A fun read for the whole family!
A Fondness For Reading 
It’s such a lovely little book, isn’t it? I read it earlier this year, but for some reason or other I never got around to posting about it. I’m glad you enjoyed it too! Some parts made me laugh out loud as well 😀
A happy 4th of July to you, Robin 🙂
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Thanks, Nymeth. It was a nice day … with no rain!
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I love this book, so far I read it to my class every year and they have loved it! The amount of creative work you can get out of it is wonderful!
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I got a copy of this after reading Nymeth’s review and yours has reminded me I need to dig it out and get around to reading it. It sounds like a lovely tale and the best way to brighten up a miserable day like today!
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The cover alone makes me want to read it. I’m a sucker for book covers.
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Kelly, I’m sure it would lend itself to some wonderful discussions and projects. What age level do you work with?
Rhinoa, it would be a very nice way to brighten up a miserable day!
Caitlin, I loved the illustrations in the book. The cover gives you an idea of how ice they are.
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My main classes at the moment are 9-10 year olds:)
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