The Firework-Maker's Daughter, by Philip Pullman

Reviewed by Julie Falkner

Philip Pullman, best known for his powerful “His Dark Materials” trilogy, also penned this lively and humorous fairytale set “a thousand miles ago”. A winner of the Smarties Book Prize, the tale features a spunky heroine who wants a fiery career rather than (horrors!) a husband. Lila has learnt all about fly-away powder and glimmer-juice. But one ingredient is missing: to become a true firework-maker she must travel to volcanic Mount Merapi, face down the fearsome Fire-Fiend, and return with some prized Royal Sulphur. In this frightening quest, Lila is helped and hindered by a lovesick white elephant, an entrepreneurial elephant-minder, a scheming pirate cum restaurateur, and a charming Water Goddess.

Fabulous fireworks light up this story—golden sneezes, tumbling demons, and foaming moss flare from its pages. Often even the smallest touches are memorable: surely no self-respecting firework-maker could help being envious of Dr Puffenflasch’s Wagner-playing lava-hurling Bombardenorgelmitsparkenpumpe. Enhancing the absorbing and imaginative story are Nick Harris’ superb black-and-white drawings, which are beautifully integrated with the text. Particularly gorgeous is our first view of the white elephant. He rests on luxurious cushions, with his bell-lined bracelets and silly tasselled cap reinforcing our impression of a rare and pampered creature.

The story of Lila’s quest is a delight to read. Whether probing the dark secrets of parallel universes or, as here, telling the light-hearted tale of a tenacious girl determined to be the best she can be, Philip Pullman has the touch of a master story-teller.

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The Firework-Maker's Daughter, by Philip Pullman

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The Firework-Maker's Daughter, by Philip Pullman