Sorcerer's Apprentice

by Inga Moore

A sorcerer's young apprentice attempts to practice magic in his master's absence, with disastrous results

Genres: Picture Books, Fantasy, Adventure, Childrens

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Inga Moore is a distinguished author and illustrator of children’s books whose illustrated titles include acclaimed versions of THE SECRET GARDEN and THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS. She lives in England.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Franz was told by his father to mend his ways or leave. He did not mend his ways and soon found himself 'on the street with nothing but a clipped ear and his clothes tied up in a bundle'.

All the useful steady jobs who were looking for apprentices did not appeal to Franz. Coming across a pair of snarling dragons on pillars with a notice beneath one
APPRENTICE WANTED - APPLY WITHIN.

Beyond the entrance, Franz saw a soaring castle, with a man on one of its ramparts wielding a staff and lightning springing from its tip. Franz knew this was his kind of apprenticeship.

Franz has his job to do in the morning, then when the work is over, he may spend the rest of day watching all the wonderful things the Wizard can do. The one rule is that he must not touch any of it. The Garden of Eden? Of course, we know what is coming. As soon as the Wizard is away, Franz can't resist. He's watched the Wizard; it's not that hard to do what he does.

And after several attempts, Franz does indeed conjure the magic needed to get the broom to do his morning chores, but once they are done, he cannot remember the correct words to turn it off. That's when things get crazy. And the harder Franz tries to stop the broom using his own methods, the worse everything gets. Does this all sound familiar?

When the Wizard finally returns, he quickly puts things to rights and then says, "Do not suppose that there will be no penalty for your crime, for crime it is to meddle in things you do not understand. I trust you have learned you lesson?"

Franz had indeed learned his lesson! A good one for all of us.

[Monica Hagerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started reading this book to my niece, I really wasn't sure exactly what to expect. I had seen the movie, The Sorcerer's Apprentice (with Nicholas Cage), but wasn't sure if the book would be similar or not. As it turns out, it the book is not that similar to the movie but I still really liked it! My niece, who is in the 5th grade, was on the edge of her seat and couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. I think that is a tribute to how good the book is because even though the book was below her age and reading level, she still found it interesting. I also thought the book taught a little bit of a lesson as to what could happen if you metal in someone else's business or try to do something that you have not been taught how to do yet. It could get you into loads of trouble, just like it did Franz! The illustrations in this book are absolutely amazing, too. Not only can Inga Moore write, but she is also a wonderful illustrator.

[Bree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Notes:
a good story but we kept comparing it to our audio book version by Barbara Shook Hazen and it really isn't the same

[Sara Carmona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great pictures throughout, and I love that the pictures tell the story as much as the text does. The full page illustrations placed throughout add so much to the boy's perspective.