The Wishkeeper's Apprentice
The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice
Rachel Chivers Khoo
Candlewick, 2023
227 pages
Grades 2-5
Fantasy
Felix is a ten-year-old boy who often feels overlooked and left out. His best friend has moved away and his older sister find him to be a pest and a nuisance. Even his well-meaning parents are too busy to pay him much mind. Throwing a penny in a wishing well results in a series of events, bringing him face-to-face with the town’s Wishkeeper Rufus. A once pleasant job has gone sour for poor Rufus. A Wishsnatcher is on the lose and the town’s wishes are unraveling. Rufus must try to untangle the many “wish-snags”, but the jobs is a bit overwhelming. Luckily, Felix enters Rufus’s life and becomes his de-facto apprentice, helping him organize and try to sort through the mess. Unfortunately, Felix discovers something about his own origin story that sends him reeling and he and Rufus fall out. Now Felix’s entire life is shifted and he is fighting for his very existence. He must reconcile with Rufus if the Wishsnatcher is to be defeated and the town set to rights. Help comes from unexpected places and Felix digs deep into resources he didn’t know that he had to save the day and reclaim what is his.
Khoo takes readers on a magical journey where wishes are real and kids have the power to set things right. Part fairytale, part fantasy, and with a dash of adventure, this is a tale where anything is possible, yet remains grounded in a familiar present. A major surprising twist enters the plot early and will encourage readers to become further invested in the story. The whimsical black and white illustrations, by Rachel Sanson, add much to the mood of the tale and the book itself is very well designed. We start with a sweet map of the cozy British town that kids can pour over and reference, although it is not necessary to understand the proceedings. The story is linear and uncomplicated, just perfect for kids starting to delve into fantasy and graduating from early chapter books. Felix and Rufus are likable characters and a complimentary team. Through his acquaintance with Rufus, Felix gains confidence and self-worth. He also learns to appreciate his life and finds his place within his family. This is sweet and cozy story with just a hint of darkness and danger that would be perfect for both family and independent reading for kids not quite ready for Harry Potter.