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THE APPRENTICE STORYTELLER

Discover the scariest secret of "Perrault's fairy tales"

Illustrated by Siegfried de Turckheim

Novel from 9 years old - L'École des loisirs - Coll. Neuf - 13 April 2022 (Pocket : December 4th 2024)

The story: It's not easy being the son of the great Charles Perrault... At the age of twelve, Pierre is sent to the countryside to write the collection of poems that will get him noticed at Versailles. To escape the drudgery, the boy tells himself that collecting tales from an old nursemaid, then transcribing them, should not require too much effort. But the first story, about a little girl mauled by a wolf, has no head or tail and only three lines! It takes a lot more to captivate readers. Fortunately, Pierre has a vivid imagination and plenty to fuel it. Every night he has strange encounters: a little Mariette dressed in a red hood, a Messire Leloup with a bluish beard, seven little ogresses? It's enough to give the apprentice storyteller ideas.

 
With Manel, 3rd prize winner at the 2023 Petits Champions de la Lecture National Final ©Frédéric Berthet / Les Petits Champions de la Lecture

AWARDS

 

PRESS REVIEWS (extracts)


IN THE PRESS

A rousing reinterpretation, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine! KIBOOKIN - SLPJ 93

FROM BOOKSELLERS

This novel is absolutely unique and fabulous. Gaël Aymon is a born storyteller, his pen twirling and weaving its way into the forgotten corners of stories from the past. A little gem of writing and construction, a magnificent hero, wonderful characters and a magnificent cover! A big hit ❤️❤️❤️ LIBRAIRIE LES SANDALES D'EMPÉDOCLE
A boldly written adventure novel that will captivate readers! LIBRAIRIE DU PARC DE LA VILLETTE
A great adventure novel that revisits fairytales in its own way, much to our delight! LE PRÉAU BOOKSHOP
Delicious thrills based on Perrault's fairy tales! PAGE ET PLUME BOOKSHOP
A magnificent dreamlike tale, sometimes frightening, sometimes intoxicating. Gaël Aymon is a magician with words! LA GALERNE BOOKSHOP
What if the origins of the fairy tales of your childhood weren't what you think? A thrilling, nightmarish adventure! LIBRAIRIE POINT DE CÔTE JEUNESSE
As someone who has a great affection for fairy tales, I was not disappointed! LIBRARY LA Cie DES LIVRES
I wasn't expecting to fall in love with this book! S.BOOKS.LIBRARY
A nugget! LIBRAIRIE JEUX LIS LA
I fell in love! Adventures and frights... But be careful to close this book before midnight... LIBRAIRIE ATOUT LIVRE
A favourite with young and older readers alike! RÊV'EN PAGES BOOKSHOP
A must-read nugget! FNAC Valence
A real favourite! A lovely tale about (re)discovering old people and their dark atmosphere. L' ÉCHAPPÉE BOOKSHOP
A real favourite! A magnificent nod to the tales of our childhood. LIBRAIRIE FONTAINE AUTEUIL
Our favourite! A fresh look at these classics! LIBRAIRIE GENS DE LA LUNE
Favorite of Garance 9 years LIBRAIRIE LES JOURS HEUREUX Bagnolet
Recommended by LES LIBRAIRES.fr

ON THE INTERNET

An ode to real children's stories rather than their watered-down versions, Gaël Aymon tackles the genesis of fairy tales with rare mastery in a unique work that has everything to appeal to young and old alike. LES BLABLAS DE TACHAN
A novel with a childhood flavour, boldly and mischievously adorned with childlike fears in an enchanted setting. ENFANTIPAGE
A little nugget, beautifully written, with magnificent illustrations, to be enjoyed by everyone! AU TERRIER D'ANITA
What a text! A thrilling novel! Delightful for those who know Perrault's fairy tales, it can also be read without knowing them, because the text is so well constructed. It's also emotionally engaging, with a very endearing main character. A must-read! AZALYAA
Our collective favourite À L'OMBRE DU GRAND ARBRE

See the full press review (in French) :


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