Amazing Magic Tricks

Shows how to make the props and equipment used to perform a variety of magic tricks featuring cups, coins, paper, string, and cards

Grade 4-6-This oversized title, lavishly illustrated with full-color photographs, is sure to fly off the shelves. Brown begins with a section describing how to use the book and a reminder about cleaning up after oneself. Next, captioned photos of the materials needed and step-by-step instructions for completing the props are provided. Directions for how to do each trick include the patter magicians use as they perform and any special instructions that will make the trick work. There is quite a bit of preparation required to make the props-they are lovely, but may prove difficult for any but the most determined youngsters to complete on their own. Ormond McGill's Mind Magic (Millbrook, 1995) is based more on careful directions followed step by step and very simple props. Amazing Magic Tricks features a more physical kind of magic that requires showmanship, confidence, organization, and attention to detail, as well as a more visually appealing format. Both volumes fill a niche.
Carole B. Kirkpatrick, Terminal Park Elementary School, Auburn, WA
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 3^-6. For the child with the patience to practice, this book introduces a number of classic tricks, such as vanishing coins and cups and balls, through carefully staged directions. Materials are simple (paper, glue, string, ribbons, felt), and the apprentice magician is told what to do before, during, and after each trick. The tricks have many steps, but the directions are clearly laid out, with bright photographs picturing children at each stage of the learning process. The necessity of practice is emphasized in an introductory admonition. Mary Harris Veeder