In January 2002, Firebird Books was launched, an imprint specifically devoted to young adult and childrens’ fantasy and science fiction, the very same material this column covers. In that short space of time, they’ve released dozens of reprints and originals from some of the best names in the business, stamping their logo on everything from Charles de Lint’s Riddle of the Wren to Robin McKinley’s The Blue Sword, to William Sleator’s Interstellar Pig. Now, however, Firebird turns its attention to short stories with this extraordinary collection of all-new material from seventeen A-List creators. Notable or familiar names include Diana Wynne Jones’s “Little Dot,” Laurel Winter’s “The Flying Woman,” Lloyd Alexander’s “Max Mondrosch,”and Patricia McKillip’s “Byndley.” Of special interest is the contribution from Emma Bull, a retelling of the ballad “Black Fox” accompanied with full comic illustrations by famed artist Charles Vess. With other contributors including Nancy Farmer, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Delia Sherman, and Garth Nix, it’s a roundup of some excellent writers, with stories that range from the fantastic to the poignant, or even the subtly comic, such as Megan Whalen Turner’s “The Baby in the Night Deposit Box.”
I was up late sampling new offerings from the authors I grew up with, and rediscovering ones I’d almost forgotten. As with all anthologies, there’s enough to appeal to everyone, but not all stories will appeal to every reader. However, it’s rare you’ll get this much quality in one place. Firebirds isn’t just recommended, it’s practically essential reading for people who love this genre.