Wizard’s Dog

Do you remember the wonderful story “The Sword in the Stone?” What you won’t remember, is the wizard’s dog!

Enter: The Wizard’s Dog, by Eric Kahn Gale. It’s a clever reimagining of the tale told from the perspective of Merlin’s dog, “Nosewise.”

Here’s the summary:

“When his master and best friend, Merlin, is kidnapped, there is nothing Nosewise the dog will not do to get Merlin back, even if it means facing the strange Fae people and their magic-eating worms, or tangling with the mysterious Sword in the Stone.”

My favorite part is the voice of Nosewise: the author has chosen to tell the tale in first person. He does a smashing job of taking on a dog’s values, point of view, even his vernacular.

Of course part of the wonder happens as Nosewise discovers he has a talent for magic. When wearing an Asteria, (a magical power source), Nosewise can actually speak. This simplifies the storytelling process considerably, making dialogue spot on. I loved the humorous tone of Nosewise’s perspective. It really does add a fresh twist to this favorite myth of Arthur, Merlin, and the Sword in the Stone. (Not to mention Morgana, Nivian—the Lady of the Lake—and other beloved characters.)

It’s a perfect “beach read,” after school fantasy tale, or light bedtime story.

Aside from the Neverland, which you know is a favorite setting, as my series Piper Pan and Her Merry Band takes place there, Arthur and Merlin’s world is a close second. I recall loving The Crystal Cave, the first in Mary Stewart’s quintet of Arthurian legend books. Did you read those? Of course those are written for an older audience. And I’ve seen and loved several wonderful productions of the musical “Camelot.” (Same world, though of a different époque in Arthur’s life.)

Pick up The Wizard’s Dog, by Eric Kahn Gale at your library among the “New Books” for kids.

Happy Reading!