Skip to main content

The Wizard


The Wizard seems to have some type of plan up his sleeve, but he's really just bent on experimenting. Although the book states that he ponders "what evil deeds he'll do this day," he is either not a very evil wizard or simply ran out of evil steam in this documented day of his life. Those who are particularly tender-hearted toward animals may be concerned for the plight of the frog, but there's nothing particularly worrisome about the wizard's project. However, as he looks out the window at the end of the book, it does seem possible that he may possess a slightly charred, if not wholly blackened, heart after all. Read the book and decide for yourself!

The real selling point of this book, in my opinion, is claimed by the fantastic illustrations. They are vivid, magical, beautifully composed, and very dynamic. The attention to detail is very captivating and will keep the reader searching the pages to make sure all is absorbed. My favorite picture shows the wizard's finger cleverly morphed into a branch-like wand. I thought the text was a little lacking in interest, even though written by the acclaimed Jack Prelutsky, but the illustrations more than compensate for this disappointment. Check it out and enjoy the fine work of a BYU-Idaho graduate, Brandon Dorman!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

An ABC of Flowers

An ABC of Flowers   by Jutta Hilpuesch New York, NY : Philomel Books, [2019] It turns out there really is a flower for every letter. This sweet book has a photograph of every flower and  a sweet cartoon illustration to go along with it. All your favorite flowers are here (forget-me-nots, mums, and sunflowers), along with some you probably haven't heard of before (billy ball, kalanchoe, xeranthemum?).  This is a perfect book for reading together, and readers of any age will enjoy every page. Don't miss this great springtime alphabet book. 

Review: The House with Nobody in It

  The House with Nobody in It By Jon Klassen Somerville, Massachusetts: Candlewick Press, 2026. Board Book.  The House with Nobody in It may very well be your child's first ghost story. The simple story begins with the narrator explaining to readers that this house used to have someone in it, but there is now nobody there. Toddlers and preschoolers will love contradicting this statement as they peek through the house that the board book forms, as the ghost is clearly visible throughout the story.  This unique and imaginative board book is the perfect thing to read during Halloween season! The book itself plays into the experience, with cutouts and clever turns that make it especially interactive. The illustrations are superb, simple but well crafted, adding to the story's theme as a whole. This will likely be a book that gets many repeat reads!

Display: Teddy's Top Picks

  Bear in the Air Written by Susan Meyers Illustrated by Amy Bates New York : Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2010. Picture book. When a teddy bear is lost by the child who loves him, the bear begins an adventurous journey to get back home again. -- Editor Blanket and Bear, A Remarkable Pair Written by L.J.R. Kelly Illustrated by Yoko Tanaka New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2013. Picture book. When a boy loses his beloved blanket and bear, they travel a great distance to make their way back to him. -- Editor A Bear to Share Written by Jessica Alba, Nora Weinstein, and Kelly Patricof  Illustrated by Alicia Mas New York, NY : Baby2Baby/Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2021. Picture book. Tiana loves her teddy bear, Bach. She doesn't mind that he's a little worn and somewhat torn. So when her mother suggests she make room for a new bear, Tiana can't believe her ears! Will Tiana have to lose the one bear she really loves? Or will she find room in her heart for t...