From Publishers Weekly
Sophia's artistic master is good at some things he draws intriguing interpretations of his dreams, for instance, and he can "stir two bad smells together and make a third completely different smell" but as the king's alchemist, he's a flop. And with the king's visit pending, the poor fellow has been neglecting his pet as he tries desperately to find the formula to turn lead into gold. Sophia, who is as smart as she is loyal, eventually takes matters into her own paws and sets up a laboratory of her own under the table. Her efforts are successful, but the real surprise in this tale is what the king spots as treasure; suffice it to say that the alchemist's job is changed to "painter to the king." Jackson's (The Old Woman and the Wave) tale is somewhat scattered. For example, subplots featuring an imp and an angel may be inspired by late-medieval work but feel tangential. On the other hand, the writing is descriptive ("a finger-joint of candle"). The busy spreads incorporate acrylic paintings, rendered in a palette of terra-cottas and ochers spiked with blues and greens, sepia-like vignettes, and atmospheric, detailed sketches "by" the alchemist. As in the text, there's often too much to take in. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Booklist
Gr. 1-3. In this splendidly spun fairy tale, the king's alchemist is in big trouble, and his doting dachshund Sophia is worried. Although her talented master is capable of producing many interesting things in his workshop--bad smells, for example--he simply cannot make gold from lead. When the king decides to pay the alchemist a visit, both dog and man panic. Feverish dreams haunt the would-be alchemist, who each morning sketches and paints his tormented visions and tries to analyze the "handwriting of the universe" in search of recipes for gold. Alas, he does not discover the precious formula in time for the royal visitation. But the king is delighted with the alchemist's visionary artwork, and he dubs the artist "painter of the king." Sophia does not have to reveal the gold she has made as a backup. Jackson's artwork shines in this eye-catching picture book that features a delightfully original blend of expressive acrylic paintings, pen-and-ink drawings, and Leonardo da Vinci-style sketches and scribbles. Text and art: lively and lovely. Karin Snelson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
