The Sorcerer's Apprentice

Moore serves up a fresh and thoroughly enchanting version of the timeless story of the sorcerer's overeager helper, Franz, and the mayhem that ensues when he unleashes magic he imperfectly understands. Her telling is brisk and nimble, and her illustrations capture both the mystical and comical aspects of the tale. They offer dizzying views of the castle's turrets and its seemingly bottomless ravine, an unforgettable panorama of the single-minded army of broom-servants which Franz--hair standing on end--has unwittingly created, and many strange and wondrous details. And Franz himself is portrayed engagingly, his irrepressible--and winning--inquisitiveness evident on almost every page. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)