Henri Mouse

by Joanna Troughton

Prince Chandra rescues his older brothers from an evil wizard.

Genres: Picture Books, School

32 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1988

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

When his six elder brothers go hunting one day, never to return, young Prince Chandra vows to find them when he is grown. Setting out for the north when the time comes, seeking the evil wizard Punchkin, Prince Chandra discovers a wasteland filled with enchanted stone statues, and a beautiful princess in captivity. Together with Princess Laili, he learns the secret of Punchkin's power, and defeats the wicked wizard, freeing his brothers and winning his bride...

I enjoyed The Wizard Punchkin, which was published by Bedrick/Blackie in the 1980s as part of their Folk Tales of the World series. Joanna Troughton's smooth narrative and appealing illustrations make this a worthy addition to any folklore library. I was glad to see that attribution was given at the front of the book, where Troughton notes that this tale was first published by Mary Frere in the nineteenth century.

I was particularly fascinated by the idea of storing the soul outside the body, which appears here, and in many other folk traditions. This is clearly an idea that J.K. Rowling utilized in her Harry Potter series, with Lord Voldemort's many horcruxes. Yet another connection between fantasy and folklore!

[Kest Schwartzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are two really good things in this book. 1- the squirrels 2-the expressions on the eagle chick's faces. Otherwise? Meh.

[Mathew · Rating 3 out of 5]

First collected by Mary Frere whose Indian nanny told it to her in 1866, this is a great little version of The Heartless Giant. I have no idea which came first and the themes are quiet different. The story involves a young prince who must find the soul of an evil wizard who has hidden it somewhere: rumblings of Voldemort come to mind! I really enjoyed the illustrations but think that the telling of the tale was lost in the lack of narrative. This could be a great, sweeping traditional tale which was let down a little in its telling.