What's the Name of That Book??? discussion

I'm looking for a children's book I read in the UK in probably the mid-1980s (WAY before Harry Potter). It is set in the real world (not a fantasy land), and involves a young boy (moving to a new village I think) and meeting a real wizard who agrees to take him on as an apprentice/pupil. The one scene I remember is the boy practising magic in the back garden of the wizard's house, and there is a cat on the garden wall which has odd-coloured eyes, one blue one green? The cat changes into a girl (keeping the odd eyes) - she is a slightly older apprentice who is practising shape-changing spells.

I think there were illustrations in the book, and it might have been the first in a series. I think it was a male author, but I'm not sure about that. It was probably published in the 70s or very early 80s, as it was a secondhand paperback when I got hold of it.

have a look through this list of magical apprenticeships. There aren't that many older ones on it, but you might luck out.
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/10...

Probably should have mentioned that I've already trawled through that and a couple of other lists, with no luck! Thanks though.

Joss, were there any magical schools involved? Or, did the boy learn magic at the wizard's home?

No, no schools. All I remember was him being in the wizard's garden. I think they may have walked around the village learning stuff too, possibly helping out other villagers at the same time?

The reason I think it may have been the first in a series is that I have a very vague memory that at the end of the book the boy leaves the village for 'further adventures'... But I'm really not sure on that, it was a long time ago!

There was another thread recently that was asking for a similar or the same book. http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

It ended up being by Joseph Delaney. Originally published as The Spooks Apprentice. Sound right?

Hi, I did see that, but it's not the right one - published in 2004 so way too late. Thanks though.

This is a long shot, but some of the elements you mention (the wizard's garden, the cat) sound like Nicholas Stuart Gray.

I've seen the 'Sorcerer's Apprentices' before - that seems to be the only title of his that might fit, but I can't find a synopsis of the story to check. It was published in 86 which might be a bit late and the cover doesn't look quite right - doesn't seem to be a standard paperback shape.

Is it maybe Andre Norton's Magic Books?

Definitely not those, it's only 2 children involved, not related, and there's no travelling to another world. It's set firmly in this world, just with magic. Like Harry Potter, but 15-20 years earlier (and not at a boarding school!).

I think it was set in a fictional UK as well, not in the US. I can't remember if it actually states that anywhere, but that's the impression I recall.

Maybe something by Diana Wynn Jones?

Doesn't sound like any of Jones.

What age of children's book? Compared to the first HP (since most people have read it it's a good reference) was it an easier read do you think? Harder? What about the length?

Slightly easier compared to first HP I think, and a reasonably skinny paperback. As I say I think it was illustrated - with black and white line drawings - so I'd put it a bit younger than HP.

Not Jones, I've checked those.

Joss wrote: "I've seen the 'Sorcerer's Apprentices' before - that seems to be the only title of his that might fit, but I can't find a synopsis of the story to check. It was published in 86 which might be a bit..."

Uh, that must be a reissue. Gray died in '81.

In that case, can anyone give me an idea of the story of the Gray book?

Actually, no, just checked Wikipedia and it was published 86, it must have been posthumous.

I Googled, and AbeBooks has a first edition of Gray's Sorcerer's Apprentices that is listed as 1965.

Thanks for that - I can see one that has 1965-1-1 in the text but still says 1987 printing and all the others say 1986. But regardless, that one gives a synopsis of the story, and it's definitely not that one, so it's helped to rule it out. Cheers!

Joss, are you still looking for this?

Hmm...The Spellkey? Apparently having one green and one blue eye is a sign of magical power in this book. Published 1987.

Yes, I'm still looking! it's not the Spellkey, like I say it's set in the real world, probably UK. If it helps, I have a feeling it may have been a Puffin book?

Still looking, Joss?

Afraid so!

William the Wizard by Patricia Cleveland-Peck?
William gets a holiday job as trainee assistant to a magician. He makes quick progress in his profession, mainly by being honest and straightforward and using common sense. In the process he renders substantial service to his village and saves a school which is under threat of closure.
"The Junior Bookshelf", 1981

The next ones in the series appear to be Community Magic and The Wandering Wizard.

I think that might be it! I'd need to see the cover to be certain (can't seem to find it on tinterwebs but I've only had a quick look) but the description of the second book mentions his friend Emma and their tutor Wizard Entwistle, and that sounds right to me! Fantastic thank you!

You're welcome! I couldn't find cover either. Let us know when you know for sure whether it is or not the book.

Found the cover for ya:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/William-Wiza...

That's _definitely_ it! Thank you so much (it's been annoying me for years!!)

I am Patricia Cleveland-Peck and I am so touched by your determined search Joss and for your memories of this book which I wrote so long ago. I gave up writing for children when my own 3 grew up but have taken it up again now that I have a granddaughter and have published You Can't take an Elephant on the Bus and You Can't let an Elephant drive a Digger with Bloomsbury - but I have fond memories of William the Wizard and Emma and their home spun magic!

That's very cool, Patricia. Thanks for commenting. I'm glad your book was found!

Wow, thank you for conmenting, Patricia! I read your book over and over as a kid, so had very fond memories of it. I had to buy another copy of it once this wonderful community found it for me!

I remember loving this book as a young child. I think it was one of the first books I used to read by myself, other than Puffin books and Peter and Jane. I might have repeatedly withdrawn it from the library. It was easier for me to find the title though as I remembered the boy's name was William, as that is my middle name. It was definitely one of the things that drew me to the book.