The Sorcerer's Apprentice - by Gerda Muller (Hardcover)

About the Book

A beautifully illustrated picture book interpretation of the story that inspired Disney's Fantasia, from the acclaimed creator of USBBY-honored A Year in Our New Garden.

Book Synopsis

When poor orphan boy Oliver becomes a sorcerer's apprentice, he enters an incredible new world. He learns wonderful magic spells, the secrets of nature, and how to make healing potions and oils from his kindly new master.

One day the sorcerer goes on a journey. Bored with his endless chores, Oliver enchants some brooms to do the work for him. But when the spell gets out of control, how can Oliver stop the magic?

This classic tale about the importance of hard work was the inspiration for Disney's Fantasia, and is presented here in a beautifully illustrated edition from renowned artist Gerda Muller, creator of USBBY-honored A Year in Our New Garden.

From the Back Cover

When Oliver becomes the apprentice to a kind sorcerer, he learns wonderful magic spells and the secrets of nature. But one day the sorcerer goes on a journey and Oliver, bored with his endless chores, enchants some brooms to do the work for him. The spell gets out of control! How can Oliver stop the magic? The classic and much-loved story is re-imagined by Gerda Muller, creator of USBBY-honoured A Year in Our New Garden, with warm and lively illustrations full of charm and detail.

Review Quotes

'This fun book tells the story of a mischievous boy. The illustrations are beautifully sketched, and they show exactly how I would picture a sorcerer's home. I love the hidden animals in the book. The Sorcerer's Apprentice has a great lesson in it for all readers.'
- Liam, Aged 8, for Kid's Book Buzz

'A handsomely illustrated retelling of the classic cautionary tale, brooms and all. Muller fleshes out Goethe's sketchy ballad so that it follows the familiar course of Mickey Mouse's adventure in Disney's Fantasia but with a named and all-human cast... Dress and details in these finely detailed illustrations set the tale in a small, tidy, seemingly all-White Renaissance-era European village... A skeleton coat rack is just one of several humorous visual touches, and a climactic elevated view of villagers sloshing and playing in the muddy street has a festive Bruegel-esque air... Art that repays second looks.'
- Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Gerda Muller:

'Unpredictable, stimulating and ultimately confidence-inducing ... Gerda Muller draws each activity and animal with great detail and attention.'
- The New York Times on A Year Around the Great Oak

'Realistic, delicate paintings use pattern, light and soft colors to track nature's transformation of the old oak tree during a single year in an innocent style reminiscent of Barbara Cooney. Simplified natural details of individual plants, birds and animals invite close inspection, while holistic scenes of the oak evoke an idyllic seasonal atmosphere. A charming celebration of the changing seasons.'
- Kirkus Reviews on A Year Around the Great Oak

'The beautifully detailed paintings invite close inspection as the seasons change.'
- School Library Journal on A Year In Our New Garden

'Gerda Muller's enchanting illustrations, filled with details, will keep little readers engaged.'
- San Francisco Book Review

'Exquisite in beauty and detail.'
- Youth Services Book Review

'Children will relish the myriad small details in the artwork ... While there are many versions of this story out there, here's one worth adding to collections.'
- Booklist Online on Goldilocks and the Three Bears

About the Author

Gerda Muller was born in 1926 in Naarden, Holland. She attended the Fine Arts School of Amsterdam and Ecole Estienne of Paris. She has illustrated over 120 books for children and her books have been translated into many languages. She is the creator of the Seasons board books, How Does My Garden Grow?, How Does My Fruit Grow?, A Year Around the Great Oak, and A Year in Our New Garden, which was named a USBBY Outstanding International Book 2017.