About This Book:
When ten-year-old Felix drops a penny in the wishing fountain at the center of town, he really doesn’t expect his sixteen-year-old sister to suddenly like him again, or to offer to share a cinnamon bun or watch cartoons like they used to. She hasn’t even remembered she was supposed to give him a ride home! But someone else is at the fountain too: a strange old man with a fishing pole who claims to be invisible. To Felix’s amazement, he learns that the old man is a Wishkeeper, and he needs an apprentice! But being a Wishkeeper’s apprentice isn’t just about organizing incoming wishes and untangling wish snags: a strange wolf-man who’s been haunting Felix’s dreams is real and a threat to every wish that has ever been granted in the town of Whittlestone, the town’s Wishkeeper, and Felix himself. With lively illustrations, this sweet adventure bubbles with charm and heart.
*Review Contributed By Jan Farnworth, Staff Reviewer*
A beautifully written magical tale
The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice is a beautiful chapter book combining fantastic characters, imaginative detail and action, and a glimpse into a magical world. Felix is a typical boy from an ordinary family who deals with feelings of hope, longing, frustration, and feeling out of place everywhere. Rupus, the wish keeper of the small town of Whittlestone, is wonderful and warm, a bit absent-minded, and knows a lot more than he is willing to say. And he has no problem granting “illegal” wishes. The story’s pace, the unfolding events, the twists and turns, and the smatterings of humor and drama make for an unforgettable journey. Beautiful black-and-white illustrations throughout help set the scene. (And, oh yes, there is a map!) A smaller format adds to the appeal of this book; it makes it feel more magical and classic. Perfect for newly confident readers (and 7+) or sharing at home or in the classroom. Charming, adventurous, enchanting, I just loved it.
