The Wishkeeper's Apprentice

Rachel Chivers Khoo, Rachel Sanson (Illustrator)

$16.99

Publication Date: April 2nd, 2024

Publisher:

Candlewick

ISBN:

9781536231205

Pages:

240

Charter Books

On hand, as of Apr 29 2:22am

(Middle Grade (9-12))

On Our Shelves Now

Description

Wishes do come true—with some help from Felix and his quirky mentor, Mr. Beewinkle—in this magical adventure brimming with the power of hope.

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.

About the Author

Rachel Chivers Khoo was born in Belfast. Growing up, her greatest wish was to become a published children’s author. Now that wish has come true, she’s planning on making more wishes . . . possibly involving a puppy or a lifetime’s supply of cinnamon buns. Rachel Chivers Khoo studied English literature at Trinity College, Oxford, and creative writing at Queen’s University, Belfast. She previously worked in book publishing and wrote her debut novel, The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice, at her kitchen table during maternity leave. She lives in London with her husband, two young sons, and far too many books.

Rachel Sanson is a children’s illustrator from the UK. Originally from a little town in the north of England, she studied illustration at the University of Lincoln. Growing up, she wished for superpowers. It hasn’t happened yet but hopefully someday soon. Rachel Sanson’s hobbies include being nocturnal, making friends with cats, and hiding under large piles of blankets. She lives in Bristol, UK.

Praise for The Wishkeeper's Apprentice

Even the magical elements of Khoo's first novel seem realistic within the context of its well-paced, third-person narrative. From the decorative elements surrounding page numbers to the occasional doublepage picture, the dynamic, grayscale illustrations enhance the pages while helping to define the characters and the action for young readers. A lively transitional chapter book with more than a touch of magic.
—Booklist

British author Chivers Khoo’s debut is a pleasantly cozy fantasy starring a resourceful hero with a knack for sorting out the delightfully disorganized Rupus, and whose yearning to repair his sibling bond is affecting.
—Publishers Weekly

The well-constructed setup and dreamy, scene-setting exposition are enticing; Rupus’ home is a cozy oasis. The monochrome illustrations, consisting of two-page spreads that create immersive tableaux, along with spot art that supports comprehension of the text, are charming and an essential part of this work’s delightful appeal. The significant age gap between the siblings highlights the mutable transitions of the tween and young adulthood years and functions as a well-designed plot device. . . . A sprightly and wholesome magical adventure.
—Kirkus Reviews

Young readers will love learning about the whimsical world of Wishkeeping in this well-realized story. A dramatic twist halfway through will keep the pages turning. . . . A quirky novel recommended for young fantasy lovers.
—School Library Journal