The Wizardling 

Wizzo has been warned; keep away from Dragon Rock. Of course he doesn’t and meets Dradru, the little dragon-girl and Little Red Riding Hood. It is fun showing off but what about the Big Bad Wolf?

Binette Schroeder’s colour rich illustrations are perfect for this gentle, enjoyable take on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Luminous mauves and blues emphasise the magical landscape that is Wizzo’s world, while the bright greens of the countryside create the perfect setting for a picnic. Of course there is danger – once again emphasised by the drama of red and gold, but the final spread provides a reassuring conclusion complete with cake and lemonade. The text, cleverly translated by Siobhán Parkinson, has a satisfying rhythm with plenty of enjoyable vocabulary – lovely onomatopoeic words to roll off the tongue. This is an ideal book to share at bedtime, just that little bit longer than the youngest picture book and so providing a satisfying story that is also visually rich and engaging from the end papers and on through every page. Beautiful.