Young Merlin (A picture yearling book) [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Robert D. San Souci (Author), Daniel Horne (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1996 | Series: A picture yearling book

The story of the wondrous childhood of Merlin the magician describes the knights, dragons, kings, monsters, and special magical talents that contributed to his legendary life. Reprint. SLJ.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Another version of the childhood story of Merlin. Pamela Service's Wizard of Wind and Rock (Atheneum, 1990) is a retelling more notable for its colorful, cartoonlike illustrations than its text, and is aimed at primary-grade readers. This new collaboration is for somewhat older readers, more romantic in the illustrative style, and more detailed and lyrical in text. It is handsomely designed, offering intriguing perspectives, subtle lines, and warm, deep colors, giving the illustrations a softer look. Text and pictures are well balanced; elegant touches include illuminated capitals and royal purple endpapers. The plot framework is the same as Service's, but this narrative includes more incidental detail and a greater number of secondary characters, adding to the story's interest. Background details are set in the medieval period, which is later than historically accurate, but authentic to longstanding convention for this literature. At the story's end, Stonehenge is introduced as a memorial to Arthur's uncle Aurelius, a memorial set in place by Merlin's magic. Service's version and this one give each other a context, which may help them both find readerships. Now all that's needed is a version of Arthur's own story, suitable for younger readers, faithful to the original, and as well presented as Young Merlin. A good choice for reading aloud or for individual enjoyment. --Barbara Hutcheson, Greater Victoria Public Library, B.C., Canada
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Yearling; illustrated edition edition (February 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0440411599
• ISBN-13: 978-0440411598
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,911,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It was a very great book and very exciting!!, December 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Young Merlin (A picture yearling book) (Paperback)

I liked that Merlin when he was a little boy, was very much like me. I wrote a letter to Mr. San Souci, because I really love his books. I really liked when Merlin performed his magic and turned himself into an ogre. And when he turned in to that man, and when he knew what was going to happen. This book inspired me to read more of mr. San Souci's books. I think kids should read this book because it is very exciting about medeival times and they might really like it. Brian Kelly age 7 I read all his young books when I studied medeival times.