Young Merlin

by Robert D. San Souci, Daniel Horne (Illustrator)

The story of the wondrous childhood of Merlin the magician describes the knights, dragons, kings, monsters, and special magical talents that contributed to his legendary life. Reprint.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fantasy, Arthurian, Mythology, Fairy Tales, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1989

About the author

Robert Daniel San Souci (October 10, 1946 – December 19, 2014) was a multiple award-winning children's book author, who resided in San Francisco, California. He often worked with his brother, Daniel San Souci, a children's book illustrator. He was a consultant to Disney Studios and was instrumental in the production of the film Mulan, for which he wrote the story. He studied folklore in graduate school. He died after suffering a head injury while falling from a high height in San Francisco in December 2014. He was only 68 years old.

Reviews

[Autumn Maisy Raquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh I have this one this one was kind of interesting and it was kind of scary but at least I read it when I was 11 I only ever read fairy tales when I was 11 cuz I was scared of everything when I was little so I don't get that thing you'll read fairy tales again when you get older I don't get that cuz I read fairy tales when I was 13

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I keep trying to find something to enjoy in the Arthurian universe. This wasn't bad. No crazy incest etc., for example. The paintings are luminous, even when they're dark... wonderful. And given the *very* simplified version of the boyhood of the wizard here, I might try another take, perhaps Jane Yolen's.

No idea if there's a particular 'history' that authors are supposed to respect. As best as I can tell, this is *very* different from Yolen's 'biography.' I guess if I cared I could go to wikipedia or something.

[Congetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son enjoyed this story and wanted it to continue. He really likes the King Arthur time period.

[Mills College Library]

Picture S229y 1990

[Raymie Keegan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would read this book to second graders. It would teach them about legends and a lesson of doing goods things for others which will lead to a reward in the end.

[Anson]

I read this for my info writing. It's fairly intresting

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for kids.

[Jbondandrews · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting telling of Merlin's younger days.

[Yasmin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story far more than Young Arthur. The illustrations are very good.

[Christine Lucia Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original, the iconic, the one and only Merlin the Magician. Every one after was just a pale imitation.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea that Merlin had a sort of "Sound of Music" childhood. Very compelling.

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not a bad telling of the Merlin story, but I didn't find it particularly attractive. The illustrations didn't interest me at all, which is a shame. I much prefer Merlin and the Dragons, by Jane Yolen.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

San Souci's Arthurian series is a terrific intro to Camelot for little ones. Glorious illustrations!

[Ernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is hands down one of the best books I have ever read EVER. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the book presents a beautiful prehistory of the Arthurian saga.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of Noah's random library picks. Written and illustrated quite well; I don't know how accurate the story is, but it is fascinating.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this picture book! San Souci is amazing!

[Teri · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Definitely not as good as the other Souci books we read. Skip this one as it is WAY too long.

[Mas5thgrade2014 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a little weird. Read for one of the Traditional books.
Mysterious RainbowNinja

[Alisha]

I loved reading this book to my six year old son. It has such greatness, just what fantasy and heroes should have at this age.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good It just wasn't as long as I had hoped it would be.