The Sorcerer's Apprentice

The classic tale of the sorcerer's apprentice who attempts to use his master's magical tools, only to discover that he does not have the knowledge or skill to control them, has been retold many times, from Goethe's 1797 poem Der Zauberlehrling, to Walt Disney's 1940 animated film, Fantasia. This adaptation from children's poet Nancy Williams, and Caldecott Medal-winning illustrators Leo and Diane Dillon - who previously collaborated on the marvelous Pish, Posh, Said Hieronymus Bosch - takes the story in new directions, making the apprentice into a seamstress named Sylvia, come to the sorcerer's house to sew clothing for his many strange creatures.

I enjoyed Willard's poetic text here, but it was the Dillons' artwork that really made the show more book for me! Beautiful but disturbing - as their best work always is - with countless quirky little details that will draw the reader in, the Dillons' paintings are endlessly fascinating. I loved the ravenous-looking sewing machine, with its toothy grip, and the many little mechanical monsters that spring from its body, when Sylvia tries to chop it up. This artwork is simply magical - a fitting accompaniment to such an enchanted tale! Highly recommended to all young fairy-tale lovers, and to fans of the Dillons. show less

What a great twist on an old tale! A very enjoyable read with colorful words and vivid descriptions. The illustrations are gorgeous and full of detail with hidden faces everywhere. The style reminds me of art deco. I also like the fact that the apprentice is a girl. Hat to admit that, but it is true. The brief history page in the back of the book is also nice. My only negative comment would be that it goes from the fixing the apprentice's badly wrought spell to her being the sorcerer. But then again, it is a poem not a novel. ;)

A cute poem-style story about a girl who works her way up to becoming a sorcerer's apprentice. I agree with the first reviewer - it is a cute twist to a classic tale. Although, I'd say the pictures are more of a modern take on impressionism ;-)