PERRYWINKLE AND THE BOOK OF MAGIC SPELLS

At 7, Perrywinkle is trying out a few magic spells. His dad, the Great Wizard, gives him ""The Book of Magic Spells,"" saying ""seven is just right."" Perrywinkle's friend Nevermore, a raven, warns glumly that ""Magic can backfire."" Perrywinkle finds out this is true, especially if you don't read all the directions, or if you spell instead of casting spells, or succumb to ""magic fever."" His delighted dad watches and lets him make mistakes. Illustrations are colorful, plentiful and fun. The monsters produced by an incomplete spell are wonderfully monstrous and the bunnies they become are even more delightful. On the whole, a brisk and entertaining excursion for young page-turners.