Blending Arthurian legend with adventure and fantasy, this action-packed tale follows the young fatherless Merlin as he matches wits with the evil King Vortigern and discovers his remarkable powers and his destiny

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Kindergarten-Grade 3-- A retelling in modern language and picture-book format of Merlin's childhood. Inevitably, the local children tease him for his lack of a father, and he is forced to seek friends among the creatures of the forest and hillside. The chieftain Vortigern seizes the English throne during this period (mid fifth century) and attempts to hold it with the aid of Jutish mercenaries, but they force him into exile in Wales. He is told by his magicians that only the blood of a fatherless boy can provide him the fortress he needs. Merlin's mother, unaware of the danger, agrees to take him to Vortigern's camp. At a critical point, Merlin realizes his magical powers and reveals to Vortigern the would-be king's overthrow and the rise of King Arthur. Among the strengths of this presentation are the brilliantly colored, textured illustrations, the humor in the characters' faces (although some verge on cartoonish), and the accurate depiction of details of the Celtic setting. The story is one that has not been overexposed through numerous retellings, and a note of reverence for the land will strike a chord in youthful environmentalists. On the negative side are an abrupt ending and the lack of a stronger connection to Arthur; most children won't be aware of Merlin, or connect this boy with the familiar images of the magician in later life. Also, the coordination of text and illustration so essential for a successful picture book seems uneasy here. While there is need for versions of the Arthurian legend suitable for younger readers, this one falls short of recommendation without qualification. --Barbara Hutcheson, Greater Victoria Pub . Lib . , B.C., Canada
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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