Not ready for prime time as a “show,” but the interactive elements make up a decent starter kit.
Seventeen simple tricks, many with cleverly prepared ministages on which to perform them.
Aspiring prestidigitators will need to supply coins, string, and a few other props, but the book comes with sets of trick cards and wallets, plus a pop-up “slicer” to chop a paper snake (temporarily). Some double-page spreads also offer atmospherically decorated flat spaces or “zones” for working selected feats. All of the steps in the clear, encouraging instructions are illustrated with digitally rendered illustrations. Cogent reminders that practice makes perfect, useful performance tips, and alternative procedures for thumb-fingered beginners have not been neglected. Directions for trickier tricks are printed upside down behind flaps in order to be visible to the performer but not (supposedly) to the audience. However individually well-chosen for beginners, though, the tricks don’t build to a climax as they should in a proper magic show. Also, the package is problematic for library use considering the many loose pieces and the wand, made by tearing out a perforated sheet and rolling it up.
Not ready for prime time as a “show,” but the interactive elements make up a decent starter kit. (Pop-up nonfiction. 7-11)Pub Date: Oct. 11, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4654-5396-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: DK Publishing
Review Posted Online: Oct. 11, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2016
Trisha is ready to start at a new school, where no one will know she has dyslexia. At first, she is heartbroken to be in Miss Peterson’s special-ed class, aka, “the junkyard.” But Miss Peterson treats the children as anything but junk, showing them that everyone has a unique talent. Polacco’s trademark style is fully present here; her sensitively drawn alter ego shines with depth of feeling. When bullying occurs, Miss Peterson proves her students are worthwhile by planning a junkyard field trip, where they find valuable objects to be used in exciting ways. Trisha’s group repairs a plane, and the class buys an engine for it. Then a beloved class member dies, and the children must find a way to honor him. While the plot meanders somewhat, the characters are appealing, believable and provide a fine portrayal of a truly special class. Children will be drawn in by the story’s warmth and gentle humor and will leave with a spark of inspiration, an appreciation of individual differences and a firm anti-bullying message, all underscored by the author’s note that concludes the book. (Picture book. 7-10)
Pub Date: July 1, 2010
ISBN: 978-0-399-25078-1
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Philomel
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2010
Fluffy, fast, fun reading for fans of Clueless McGee and the Wimpy Kid.
Miles used to live near the sea. Miles had friends. Miles was his school's greatest prankster...how will he survive a move to Yawnee Valley?
Yawnee Valley is famous for one thing: cows. All new students at Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy receive a booklet of 1,346 interesting cow facts from fussbudget fifth-generation principal Barry Barkin. On the first day of school, when Principal Barkin's car is found mysteriously parked on the school's steps, Barkin suspects Miles and assigns Niles Sparks to be Miles' buddy. Miles can't think of anything more awful than spending every moment of every day with smiling, officious, king-of-the-obvious Niles. On top of that, Barkin's son, Josh, has decided Miles is a good bullying target. To make life interesting, Miles plans a perfect prank in his pranking notebook, but it’s foiled. That's followed by an invitation to join forces in pranking from an unexpected source...no way! Let the prank war commence! Barnett and John launch their cow-resplendent illustrated series with the humorous origin story of the pranking duo who lend the series its name. Characters may be stock; however, the pranks are anything but, and it's peppered with cow facts. Cornell’s goofy cartoon illustrations (especially the blasé cows) add giggles aplenty.
Fluffy, fast, fun reading for fans of Clueless McGee and the Wimpy Kid. (Fiction. 7-11)Pub Date: Jan. 13, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4197-1491-7
Page Count: 224
Publisher: Amulet/Abrams
Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2014
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