Gerda Muller

When Benjamin and Anna visit their cousin Robin, who lives with his family on the edge of the forest, they are quickly introduced to the three-hundred-year-old oak tree that grows nearby. The children build a den near the tree, and enjoy the beauty of the autumn foliage as they witness how the great oak provides shelter for many animals. They visit again in the winter and spring, observing the ancient tree through the seasons, as it continues to provide shelter to the residents of the show more forest. Benjamin himself is in need of that shelter when he wanders out one night, and encounters some wild boars. When the year comes full circle, and summer is ending, the children throw the great old oak a birthday party, in thanksgiving for the blessings it brings to them, and to the world.

Originally published in German as Unser Baum (literally, "Our Tree"), this engaging picture-book from Gerda Muller is a celebration of the role of one tree in a wider ecosystem, but also of the bond between humans and the natural world around them. As someone who had a favourite tree myself as a girl - I have treasured memories of swinging upside down from the Japanese Maple in my front yard, growing up - I identified with Robin's love for this one special tree, and also appreciated the feeling of enchantment that a visit to the country would have provided Benjamin and Anna. I liked the lessons about respecting wildlife that were worked into the larger story - the children, together with Robin's forester father, are careful to keep their distance while observing the badgers and other animals coming for an evening drink at the pond - and also found the artwork appealing. I particularly liked the scene with the owls in the nighttime, and the decorative endpapers. All in all, A Year Around the Great Oak is an appealing picture-book, one I would recommend to young nature and tree-lovers. show less

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 show more 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. show less

One of a set of four board books from Dutch picture-book artist Gerda Muller, each one depicting a different season of the year, this charming wordless tale is devoted (as the title suggests) to Spring. The artwork follows a young child through various activities on her (or his?) farm, from feeding the animals to painting Easter Eggs. On one particularly lovely two-page spread, father and child walk through a green meadow, a rainbow in the sky above them...

The four books in this collection show more have all been presented to an English-speaking audience (I won't say they've been translated, since they are wordless) as individual board books by the Edinburgh-based publisher, Floris Books. It's interesting to note that they were also combined in 1995 into one book by the New York-based Dutton Children's Books, as Circle of Seasons, with text added Lucia Monfried. Having not read the Monfried picture-book, I cannot comment upon it. As for Spring, it is a sweet, lovely little book, one I would recommend to anyone looking for board books about the season, as well as to those who enjoy wordless picture-books show less

A group of rural children enjoy the beauty of autumn in this charming wordless board book from Dutch picture-book creator Gerda Muller. Walking in the rain, playing in the leaves, flying a kite - there are many pleasures to be had in the fall...

Originally published in the Netherlands as Herfst, this is one of a collection of four board books from Muller, each devoted to a different season. Each title - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter - was published separately in this wordless edition by show more Edinburgh-based Floris Books, while all four were combined by New York-based Dutton Children's Books as Circle of the Seasons, with text added by Lucia Monfried. I have not read the Monfried title, but given my enjoyment of these individual board books, am becoming quite curious about it. Autumn is a lovely book, although American readers should note that given the Dutch cultural context of the book, some of the festivals we associate with this time of year - Halloween and Thanksgiving in particular - are not depicted. Leaving that aside (and it is not a criticism, just an observation), Muller's artwork here captures all the joy of this particular season. Recommended, together with its companions, to anyone looking for board books about the seasons, as well as to those who enjoy wordless picture-books. show less