Fun With Magic: Stories and Tips to Get Started
Arthur C. Clarke once said, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." Isaac Asimov, in discussing that quote, said that the reverse could also be true: that magic could be indistinguishable from advanced technology. Either way, it's no surprise that many of the books about magic that we've selected below are based on science. To keep things interesting, some fiction books about magicians are included.
The Carnival Caper
Adrienne Mason
Illustrated by Pat Cupples
This book is one in a series of six about the adventures of "Lu and Clancy," two dogs who enjoy living life to its fullest. One lazy summer day, Lu invites Clancy to join him and his cousin Jake at the local carnival. Clancy's not crazy about Jake, the amateur magician, but decides to go when Lu mentions all the rides they can take. When they arrive at the carnival, things don't go as Clancy had hoped as they are all dragged by Jake to the Magic Tent. Jake proceeds to play a trick on them which annoys Clancy. As Clancy tries to get Lu to move on the Drop of Doom, his favorite ride, he gets wind of a prank being planned by two other dogs, Frank and Horace. They're planning to cause an upset at the Drop of Doom so that everyone's valuables will fall to the ground and they can clean up. The rest of the chapters deal with Lu and Clancy's attempts to foil the prank. Of course, Jake throws a wrench in their plans right and left, but truth and goodness finally win out. This first chapter book is designed to appeal to the early elementary student with its animal characters and simplistic story line. As a plus, there are instructions for four simple magic tricks placed throughout the story which readers will enjoy trying on their friends. The chapters are short, and there are plenty of illustrations to keep young readers interested. 2002, Kids Can Press, Ages 6 to 9, $14.95. Reviewer: Meredith Kiger
ISBN: 1-55337-027-9
Conjure Times: Black Magicians in America
Jim Haskins and Kathleen Benson
Black Herman was so successful at his death-defying, being-buried-alive tricks that when he actually died people waited patiently for him to return to life. This episode and others relate the often-obscure history of black magicians in the United States. Young fans of magic will enjoy the dancing spoons, disappearing billiard balls and enchanted eggs that add detail to the entertainers' lives and to significant aspects of Black history. The book begins in the 18th century with Henry "Box" Brown who was shipped to freedom in a crate, and ends with David Blaine, a successful modern-day phenomenon. The origins of minstrel and vaudeville shows and the influence of racism are documented with shows like "A Trip to Coontown," and performers named "The Unbleached American," and "N. Clark Smith's Piccaninny Band." Readers will be surprised by Billy Kersand's 1906 New Orleans performance, when whites were relegated to the balcony and black patrons filled the downstairs seats. Though this book has entertainment value for all readers, those wanting careers in magic will discover the advantage of pursuing an education in marketing and finance. It also provides teachers with a fresh curriculum slant for Black History month. Includes source notes, a bibliography and an index. 2001, Walker, Ages 9 up, $17.85 and $16.95. Reviewer Betty Hicks
ISBN: 0-8027-8763-0
ISBN: 0-8027-8762-2
Ha, Ha, Ha
Lyn Thomas
Illustrated By Dianne Eastman
Ha, Ha, Ha is a very funny book. It is a circus of games, puzzles, jokes and riddles for children and some adults to enjoy. The cover illustration grabs readers right off. There is so much humor one would think the book itself had big red shoes and a shiny red nose. The illustrator created the book in black-and-white so that kids can use it as a coloring book. Better buy a box of crayons when purchasing this book. 2001, Grey de Pencier Books, Ages 4 to 8, $29.95 and $9.95. Reviewer: D. K. Jones
ISBN: 1-894379-15-2
ISBN: 1-894379-16-0
Harry Houdini: Master Magician
Dana Meachen Rau
Houdini joins the likes of Gloria Estefan and Steven Spielberg in the "Book Report Biographies" series-as well he might, for Harry Houdini was a cultural phenomenon of the first order in his own era. As a four-year-old, Ehrich Weiss emigrated to Wisconsin with his family to join his rabbi father. Childhood poverty led the boy into show business, and soon he was developing his own "turn" for the dime museums and vaudeville theatres of the period. Magic fascinated him, so he took the name of the most famous magician until then-the Frenchman Robert-Houdini-and made his mark with his dramatic handcuff escapes. An extraordinary self-promoter, by the turn-of-the-century Houdini found himself a star on several continents. He also made the first airplane flight in Australia in 1910, formed his own film company, penned books about magic, and investigated the spiritualism craze in vogue during the 1920s. Houdini is a subject that should totally fascinate any kid-and this competent, well-illustrated biography will also introduce today's generation to times and attitudes refreshingly bizarre and wonderful. 2001, Franklin Watts, Ages 8 to 12, $22.00 and $6.95. Reviewer Kathleen Karr
ISBN: 0-531-11599-2
ISBN: 0-531-15551-X
The Houdini Box
Brian Selznick
Magicians can do anything. They can make candy appear and parents disappear. Victor, aged ten, wants to be a magician. He tries to duplicate the tricks of the great magician, Houdini, by locking himself in his grandmother's trunk, but his mother has to rescue him. He submerges himself in bathtub water and tries to count to five thousand, but his mother makes him get out and breathe. His success at walking through walls isn't any better. Then, a chance meeting with the real Houdini leads Victor to a box containing the secrets to the famous man's greatest tricks. Is it a hoax? This brief but cleverly engaging story follows Victor to adulthood before revealing the entertaining answer. While plenty of young readers will enjoy the tale by themselves, its subtle wit begs to be read aloud. The bold crosshatch pencil drawings depict dramatic enlargements and perspectives that accent the intrigue as well as the humor. Magicians and mystery lovers of all ages will enjoy this well-told, visually satisfying story. Additional information about Houdini is provided. 2001 (orig. 1991), Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, Ages 6 up, $17.00. Reviewer Betty Hicks
ISBN: 0-679-81429-9
Kazam's Magic
Amy Ehrlich
Illustrated by Barney Saltzberg
This book, designed for the beginning, reader introduces a young magician named Kazam. Four short and simple stories are included. Each of the stories is brief enough and uses simple enough words for the child who is learning to read. The pictures are clear and directly related to the text to foster success. The first story introduces Kazam and shows how she makes things and herself disappear. The second story is about Kazam's coin trick gone awry. The third tale is about Kazam and the rabbit she pulls from her magic hat. The last story is about another trick gone askew. Kazam attempts to make a glass of water disappear but unfortunately, only the glass vanishes. This set of stories is delightful for the early reader. He or she will eagerly read about Kazam's successful3/4and not so successful3/4magic tricks. A "Brand New Reader" book. 2001, Candlewick Press, Ages 4 to 8, $11.99. Reviewer: Julie Eick Granchelli
ISBN: 0-7636-1309-6
Magic Tricks
Shawn McMaster
Illustrations by Mike Moran
This book covers all kinds of magic performance, including close-up magic, stage shows, mind reading, and even safe and simple escape tricks. There are easy tricks for beginners, as well as detailed advice for more serious aspiring magicians. All the materials you need for the tricks are cheap and easy to acquire. The book closes with a list of resources, including magic shops, clubs, magazines, and places to go to see a show. It also includes an informative glossary. Throughout, sidebars tell interesting magic anecdotes and profile famous and fascinating magicians. 1999, Lowell House Juvenile, Ages 9 to 14, $9.95. Reviewer Emily Schuster
ISBN: 0-7373-0231-3
Magic Tricks
Cynthia Klingel and Robert B. Noyed
The "Games around the World" series, of which Magic Tricks is one volume, offers a low-key, multicultural look at some games and tricks designed to give young readers a chance to hone and exhibit their skills to friends and family. Each book starts with a short history of its subject illustrated with historical prints or photos from various cultures. Each ends with a section comprising a short glossary, some little-known facts about the skill, and a "Want to Know More?" section that includes books, web sites, and addresses of associations, museums, and festivals that might be explored with parents or even on school field trips. The pages in between are filled with tips, descriptions, and simple instructions accompanied by photos and drawings. The directions are clear and reader-friendly, giving the 8 to 11 set a chance to try a few basic tricks and decide if they want to dig more deeply into the subject. In Magic Tricks, for example, the beginner discovers that acting is a big part of the magician's art, which was practised more than 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt, Greece, and Asia. Each volume is written by an educator with advice from a professional in the field. It looks easy, but some children will probably need assistance from an adept adult or older friend. For those truly fascinated by the skill, the historical pages and their illustrations are especially intriguing. 2002, Compass Point, Ages 8 to 11, $21.26. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft
ISBN: 0-7565-0192-X
Make Your Own Magic & Mischief
Peter Gross
Illustrated by Brian Biggs
Kids love magic tricks and nothing is more fun except maybe magic with gross twist. This kit will introduce youngsters to the world of magic, mischief, gross gags and twisted tricks. The kit includes an amazing magic book, a deck of cards, a special hocus-pocus trick book, cards, a magical mystery drawer, stickers, an amazing melting ring, squishy spheres, secret dice tunnel, vanishing wand, magic ring, "Ronnie the Roach," and more-all in a special carrying case. The kit will teach your budding performer how to pull a wand from his nose, several ways to use a phony thumb tip (included), and so much more. This is a unique magic kit, which definitely lives up to its name. 2002, Walter Foster Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $14.95. Reviewer: Julie Eick Granchelli
ISBN: 1-56010-609-3
Maxwell's Magic Mix-Up
Linda Ashman
Illustrated by Regan Dunnick
This frenetically paced story recounts the misadventures that occur when Maxwell the magician entertains at a seven-year-old's birthday party. Called in at the last minute, Maxwell immediately turns things upside down when he performs a trick and accidentally changes the birthday girl into a rock. In his efforts to repair his mistake, he makes a bad situation worse when he proceeds to turn other family members and guests into brooms, pigs and other animals. He even makes a marching band appear out of thin air. All's well that ends well, however, when Maxwell calls upon his knowledgeable young nephew to reverse the spells, which he does quite nicely. It is a pleasure to see a child assume such a responsible role. This humorous tale, told in rhyming verse, will entertain its readers. Its pace and fantastical plot hold the reader's interest while the exaggerated illustrations add to the general mayhem Maxwell creates. 2001, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer Michele Coulombe
ISBN: 0-689-83178-1
Mighty Magic: The Complete Kit
John and Fran Pickering
Packed in a small plastic box, this collection contains four small pocket pals books, a magician's I.D. card, a show planner wall chart, a magic unicorns puzzle, stickers, a bookmark and a one-inch high deck of card. The books provide a range of tricks, puzzles, word games and other activities for the budding magician. "The Handbook" helps set the stage and gives suggestions about what to wear and how to make a magic wand. There are diagrams and instructions for sleight-of-hand tricks. "Wonder Stuff" provides a brief history of magic and a who's who of the great magicians. The official I.D. card will come in handy, as well as the poster that lets you keep track of your shows and successful tricks. Card tricks with the one-inch high deck of cards would have to be the showstopper. Part of the "Megatech" series. 2000, Sterling, Ages 6 to 12, $20.60 and $8.95. Reviewer Kristin Harris
ISBN: 0-8869-5577-5
Pocket Pals Super Science
John Pickering and Fran Pickering
Fans of TV's Beakman and Bill Nye will enjoy this petite four-booklet set, which packs lots of fun and learning into a plastic packet. Each booklet is full of color illustrations. Information is presented in easily grasped snippets. The handbook gives an overview of the various sciences, like physics, chemistry and biology, presenting facts in easily understood text, with experiments and activities to reinforce the information. "Facts and Feats" briefly tells the stories of famous and not-so-famous scientists and inventors. The Experiments booklet suggests twelve simple experiments the child can perform using common household objects. The Challenge booklet offers young scientists character and skill tests to determine their aptitude for the various sciences. The kit also includes two magnets, a tiny playing board for a game called "Bubbles," stickers to label materials, a chart to track results, and a robot-shaped bookmark. This inexpensive kit packs quite a lot into a few square inches. 2000 Big Fish/Sterling, Ages 8 to 12, $6.95. Reviewer: Kimberly Norman
ISBN: 0-8069-5585-6
Science Magic in the Bathroom
Richard Robinson
When magic and science meet in the "Science Magic" series, information meets entertainment. In a concise introduction, the author/illustrator makes the case for the use of misdirection in nature and by magicians. The text weaves the reasons for the magic trick before, during and after magic trick instructions with a distinct style and elementary school humor. It is a palatable telling of stories. For instance, in the chapter about Weird Water, six magic tricks are presented within a flow of science facts, supportive black and white drawings, and explanations. The reader learns why water is wet and how water molecules stick together and, a bit of magic, how to get a needle to float on water. No magic tricks described in the book need ever be performed to appreciate the value of this science book in disguise. A story, "The Most Famous Bath of All," completes the book. It reports how Archimedes used the properties of water displacement two thousand years ago to solve the problem of the king's gold crown. No magic, but good science instruction. 2001, Aladdin Paperbacks, Ages 7 to 10, $4.99. Reviewer Jacki Vawter
ISBN: 0-689-84333-X
Science Magic in the Kitchen
Richard Robinson
Illustrations by Joe Wright
When magic and science meet in the "Science Magic" series, information meets entertainment. In a concise introduction, the author makes the case for the use of misdirection in nature and by magicians. The text weaves the reasons for the magic trick before, during and after magic trick instructions with a distinct style and elementary school humor. Explaining yeast, the author writes, "Bread is truly a work of fart." Chapters deal with chemical reactions, the effect of heat, bacteria and levers, all in the context of the kitchen. Brief stories of inventors and inventions intersperse the chapters. The metric system is used for measures because the series was originally published in Great Britain; be prepared for the mention of grams and meters. Also be prepared for readers to forego the magic of this book, because the science instruction will capture and hold their attention. 2001, Aladdin Paperbacks, Ages 7 to 10, $4.99. Reviewer Jacki Vawter
ISBN: 0-689-84332-1
Science Magic in the Living Room
Richard Robinson
As the author states in his introduction magic and science can produce wonderful effects and audiences like scientists want to understand how things work. The background information leading up to the actual trick contains plenty of good scientific information explaining topics such as gravity, inertia, centrifugal force and friction; and all are presented with panache. The tricks do not use any fancy materials3/4most call for items found around the house. They do require a little practice and prep time to make sure that they will work, and there are appropriate cautions in the book. Cup in Orbit, for example, requires a plastic cup, plastic or tin plate, water, string and tape. It is all whirled in a circle around your head and when done correctly not a drop of water spills3/4the real trick, in my opinion, is to slow it down and still not spill the water. It is a great demonstration of centrifugal force. Cartoon style illustrations show how to set up the trick. Kids who enjoy hands-on learning and those with a scientific bent will have plenty of fun with this book. 2001 (orig. 1999), Aladdin, Ages 7 to 10, $4.99. Reviewer Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-689-84334-8
Science Magic With Light-Fun Magic Tricks with Scientific Explanations
Chris Oxlade
Illustrated by Ian Thompson
In the introduction, the author tells us that light is a natural magician. If that is true, there should be some easier tricks of light that could have been offered here. A warning printed at the beginning of the book states that "all activities should be supervised by a parent." Here, they would have to be. The intended audience (at least as pictured by the photographer of the young magicians who illustrate the tricks) is far too young to handle the required tools, the necessary precision, and the sketchy scientific explanations. It's a good idea, and parents may have fun setting up these tricks for and with their kids; but as an independent activity book for young science or magic buffs, it lacks some magic. 1993, Barron's, Ages 6 up, $9.95 and $4.95. Reviewer Judy Katsh
ISBN: 0-8120-6445-3
ISBN: 0-8120-1984-9
Science Magic With Shapes and Materials
Chris Oxlade
Books with science projects for kids are aplenty. Books with magic projects for kids are also aplenty. Science Magic combines both into one handsome book that teaches showmanship as much as it teaches science. Twelve tricks are presented for the kids with instructions on how to set them up, how to perform them, and why they work. My favorite is the Levitating Boxes Trick. Introductory notes and performing tips round out the projects. This book is big, colorful, educational and fun. 1995 (orig. 1994), Barron's, Ages 8 up, $10.95. Reviewer Dia L. Michels
ISBN: 0-8120-6518-2
That's Magic!
Richard Jones
The history of magic appearing in the introduction and continuing in inset boxes throughout the book is as fascinating as the detailed instructions for performing more than forty magic "tricks." The reader discovers in one of these inset boxes that true magicians refer to their presentations as "effects." Full-color photographs demonstrate exact planning and sequencing for each procedure. Playing cards, money, eggs, cups and balls, numerology, and apparent psychic abilities are part of the variety of magic described. Helpful hints for maintaining a constant chatter and directing the audience attention away from the actual "trick" are interspersed throughout. Please note that this book is published in Britain, so the spelling of some words and the use of English money may be confusing for young readers. 2001, New Holland, Ages 10 up, $19.95. Reviewer Phyllis Kennemer
ISBN: 1-85974-668-3
Windy Won't Practice
Tracey West
Illustrations by John Manders
After Abracadabra Elementary lets out for the day, Cricket and Jasper make plans to practice the assignments Mr. Ribbeter has given them. But a third little pupil, Windy, doesn't want to practice. So while the others are practicing dips on their dragons, Windy chases a fuzzy fleezle. While Cricket and Jasper are practicing their sneezing formulas, Windy makes a rainbow float. As her classmates wave their wands and turn rocks into crystals, Windy plays hide-and-seek with an elf. Windy's goofing-off catches up with her the next day, however, when she makes her dragon flop instead of dip, makes an itch instead of a sneeze and turns her rocks into rockets. After making a mess of things, Windy realizes that maybe she should have followed her friends' advice and practiced her magic. The moral is clear and the pictures are fanciful, but this wizard tale lacks sparkle and originality. The characters are somewhat flat and the story boring and predictable. However, the short, simple tale may hold the passing interest of very young readers interested in wizards and magic. This book is one of the "Wee Wizards" series. Each book comes with four wizard trading cards depicting the characters, creatures and settings of the stories. 2001, Golden Books, Ages 4 to 8, $3.99. Reviewer Bethany Miller Cole
ISBN: 0-307-17143-4
Also check out our first Magic Feature from June, 2000!
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added 4/30/2002
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If you're interested in reviewing children's and young adult books, then send a resume and writing sample to marilyn@childrenslit.com.