Do you need a job?!

The Wishkeeper’s Apprentice

Author: Rachel Chivers Khoo @Rach_Khoo

Illustrator: Rachel Sanson @rachel_sanson

Published by: Walker Books @WalkerBooksUK

Published on: March 2023

Price: £7.99

ISBN: 9781529507904

First line: Rupus Beewinkle’s years of exuberance were finally catching up with him.

Genre: Magical, friendship, family

Age: 8+

What’s it all about? Are you looking for a new job? Because Rupus Beewinkle is looking for a new apprentice! What’s the job involve, I hear you say? Well, Rupus is a Wishkeeper and this means that it is his job to protect all the wishes made in the town of Whittlestone (there’s a handy and beautifully drawn map of the town at the front of the book). You know the type, the ones thrown in the wish fountain with a 1p; the ones uttered in annoyance (I wish I didn’t have a brother); the hopeful ones – I wish I didn’t have to go to school today; and those normal ones that happen every day – I wish I was on the beach. Rupus has heard them all, but shock, horror he’s a little messy and some have gone astray. Or, perhaps, there is something more sinister going on? Hopefully, you, or Felix Jones, a young boy who happens to notice Rupus, can help. Hold on, how can Felix see the wishkeeper? There’s something strange happening here.

Why should I read it? There is a wonderful love of words in the writing, from author Rachel Khoo, and the plot ambles along nicely. It embraces themes of family, friendship, commitment and good vs evil. Perfect for readers in Year 3 or 4.