The Sorcerer's Apprentice

by Gerda Muller, Polly Lawson (Translator)

A beautifully illustrated picture book interpretation of the story that inspired Disney's Fantasia, from the acclaimed creator of USBBY-honored A Year in Our New Garden.

When poor orphan boy Oliver becomes a sorcerer's apprentice, he enters an incredible new world. He learns wonderful magic spells, the secrets of nature, and how to make healing potions and oils from his kindly new master.

One day the sorcerer goes on a journey. Bored with his endless chores, Oliver enchants some brooms to do the work for him. But when the spell gets out of control, how can Oliver stop the magic?

This classic tale about the importance of hard work was the inspiration for Disney's Fantasia, and is presented here in a beautifully illustrated edition from renowned artist Gerda Muller, creator of USBBY-honored A Year in Our New Garden.

Genres: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Magic

24 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acclaimed Dutch children's author and artist Gerda Muller retells the famous German story of The Sorcerer's Apprentice in this lovely picture-book. Running away from his cruel and miserly master, Oliver the goatherd finds his way to a nearby town, where a kindly sorcerer named Alfred takes him in, and agrees to make him his apprentice. Oliver takes to his new position well, and performs all of the menial tasks asked of him satisfactorily, but he longs to learn about magic. When Alfred must go away for the day, Oliver uses the three magic words that his master had taught him, even though he had promised not to do so, without supervision. The resulting chaos almost causes Oliver to lose his position, but wise Alfred gives him a chance to set things right...

Originally published in France as L'apprenti sorcier, and translated into English for the Edinburgh-based Floris Books, The Sorcerer's Apprentice is based upon Goethe's classic poem, Der Zauberlehrling , and relates a story that many Anglophone children will find familiar, whether from the Disney film Fantasia , or from the popular modern picture-book Strega Nona , which utilizes the same tale type. I found Muller's telling (and Polly Lawson's translation) entertaining, and her accompanying artwork charming. I particularly enjoyed all of the magical little details in the artwork, from the decorative endpapers to the many magical accoutrements - a sorcerer's hat, a fish with wings attached to the wall - seen in Alfred's house. I also appreciated the fact that it is Alfred's two cats, charmingly depicted, who lead Oliver to his new home. All in all, a lovely retelling, one that I would recommend to young folk and fairy-tale lovers.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fine translation and artistic rendering of Goethe’s original poem, “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” (1791), which teaches the importance of kindness, generosity, forgiveness, atonement, the power of language, and the importance of keeping one’s promises.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gentle re-telling of the traditional tale. (I didn’t know that it was a famous poem by Goethe, who heard it from his maid. A note explains this at the end.) An orphan boy named Oliver leaves his job as a goatherd. He walks a long way, and when he gets hungry, follows two cats to the house of a man who is a sorcerer. He takes Oliver on as an apprentice, and the boy is kept busy, happy and well fed. When the sorcerer needs to take a trip, he leaves a long list of chores for Oliver, and I bet you can guess what happens next! A la Strega Nona, Oliver uses magic to do his chores, and the entire village is flooded. And, like Strega Nona, the sorcerer gives Oliver another chance. He grows up to be the village sorcerer, and a wise one at that. The gouache, pencil and graphite illustrations are completely charming, full of details of daily life and natural beauty. The author is in her nineties!

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I'm going to save this for Beehive consideration this year. It's a gorgeous retelling of a classic story!

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had inly seen Disney’s Fantasia - it was nice to read the original! It was nice to see the beginning and end of the story as well. And I like the helping clean the mess you’ve made.

Nice illustrations - very expressive, lots of emotion.

[Villain E · Rating 3 out of 5]

More detailed than other versions I've read. An orphan boy looking for work is hired on as a sorcerer's apprentice. He learns just enough magic to get himself in trouble while the sorcerer is away but not enough to get himself out of it.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic illustrations for a traditional and well-loved tale.