The Sorcerer's Apprentice

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 show more 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