The Toymaker’s Apprentice by Sherri Smith

A very original story about toymakers and clockmakers and a war against talking mice.

Recommended age: 10 – 12; 12 – 14; 14 – 16; 16 – 18; Adult

Stefan is an apprentice toymaker.   But his life totally changes when his sort-of uncle comes and takes him on as an apprentice clockmaker.   He and his uncle and his uncle’s jailor, Samir, set off to defeat the plans of some nefarious mice in the country of Boldavia.   Outwitting mouse spies, befriending talking squirrels, and relying on their toy and clock-making skills, they seek to thwart the grand schemes of a delusional mouse queen and her sons. The story is, apparently, based loosely on the Nutcracker story.

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