Information
Goodreads: The Wishkeeper's Apprentice
Series: None
Age Category: Lower Middle Grade
Source: Library
Published: 2024
Summary
When ten-year-old Felix drops a coin in the wish fountain, he doesn't really expect it to be granted. Much less to discover the Wishkeeper Rupus Beewinkle, who is a bit flustered, behind on granting wishes, and in great need of an apprentice. Because wishes are starting to come undone and that means the town might soon lose its wishfulness all together.
Review
The Wishkeeper's Apprentice is a welcome addition to the lower middle grade market, which often seems overlooked by the publishing industry these days. Of course, because lower middle grade appears so infrequently, some readers may be confused. The book may appear a bit too advance for newly independent readers, while those accustomed to upper middle grade might find it too short and/or juvenile. However, for its intended audience, it hits just the spot with a welcome blend of whimsy and heart.
The story follows ten-year-old Felix, who is feeling left out now that his older sister no longer wants to hang out with him. So he throws a coin into the wish fountain, hoping (but not expecting) the wish to do its magic and repair their relationship. Imagine his surprise when he sees an actual Wishkeeper appear--one who needs his help to keep the town safe from a monster that wants to eat the inhabitants' wishes!
The introduction of Rupus Beewinkle is an absolute delight, as it turns out that wishkeeping is part whimsy and an awful lot of bureaucracy. The story has a sort of Hobbit-esque feel to in this way, with the magic juxtaposed ironically with the modern world. Poor Rupus, you see, is a very good WishKeeper in part because he likes to break the rules. But he has been getting behind on his quotas (thank in part to the wish eater) and now the official forces behind him are refusing to send aid until he catches up. (The irony here will not be lost on readers. Why would he need help if he were all caught up?) I do not know how children would respond to this setup, but as an adult I found myself feeling rather knowing.
But it is not all humor. Felix and his sister's relationship takes center stage as he seeks a way to reconnect with her--despite her apparent uninterest. Everyone wants to feel loved and like they belong, so I found myself rooting for Felix and fervently hoping that his sister would realize that growing up does not need to mean letting go of one's younger siblings.
The plot points of The Wishkeeper's Apprentice are not particularly novel and older readers will be able to predict them with ease. Younger readers might find it all new, however. And, at any rate, is it is the whimsy and the heart that really make the story special. Even though I knew exactly what was going to happen, I enjoyed every minute of it. This is one of those books that just warms the heart.
You Might Also Like
No comments:
Post a Comment