The Amazing Magic Show

Amateur magician Hal performs his tricks perfectly, but his brother Chuck always reveals Hal's secrets, so Hal and his friends rig an encore trick that will stump even the know-it-all Chuck. By the author of Liars.

Grade 2-4?Hal's brother Chuck pulls all the usual older sibling routines when Hal becomes fascinated with magic. He cons him into impossible money-making schemes so they can go to see a professional magician, and then laughs at the younger boy' attempts to do some hocus-pocus of his own. But in a satisfying conclusion, Hal fools Chuck with a trick that really works. Beginning readers will enjoy the fast pace and funny dialogue. The chapters are nicely self-contained, almost to the point of being separate stories. Black-and-white cartoon illustrations add to the fun. Buy this for kids who love magic or for beleaguered younger siblings.?Connie Parker, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Cleveland
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 2-4. Here's a real charmer for the chapter book set. The words are well within the grasp of new readers; the typeface is large; the leading is generous enough to be attractive; and the black-and-white illustrations are fun. But more than that, Petersen's story is filled with great comedy, and it's right on the mark when it comes to sibling relationships. The arrival of a magic show in town provides the background for three loosely connected episodes: in the first, Hal discovers that his older brother, Chuck, isn't quite as smart as he thought; in the second, Hal realizes that he loves his brother, even if Chuck is sometimes a real pain; and in the third, Hal gives Chuck his comeuppance. Petersen has invested his characters with lots of personality, and the magic background is wonderful--we even learn some magic secrets. The book is simply irresistible. Stephanie Zvirin