When Alexi spares the life of a mysterious horse, he is rewarded for his kindness. The Golden Mare promises to help the young man become a huntsman for the Tsar. But the greedy ruler wants more than Alexi’s services; he wants the Golden Mare. The Tsar demands that Alexi capture the elusive Firebird, bring Yelena the Fair to his palace, and find her ring so that she will marry. Each time the Golden Mare saves Alexi, until the young man and Yelena trick the Tsar into jumping into a cauldron of boiling water. He changes from an old man to a baby, and is adopted by the new Tsar, Alexi, and his queen, Yelena.

Both Sanderson’s story and artwork are rich and detailed. The illustrations are oil on canvas on double-page spreads. The feathers of the firebird glow, the czar’s jewels sparkle, and the waters of the Lake of the Sun reflect back the beauty of Sanderson’s landscapes. The text is unobtrusive and often decorated with intricate borders. Readers may find the story somewhat long – according to the author’s note, this book is a retelling of four different Russian fairy tales – but will be encouraged by the illustrations and exciting plot. As with most fairy tales, the characters are somewhat two-dimensional, though Alexi ponders issues of freedom and captivity.