Kidsource Magic tricks

Gr 3-6-While the title sounds presumptuous, McMaster has managed to fill his book with the ingredients needed to fire the imaginations and hone the skills of budding magicians. He describes the history of slight-of-hand performances and draws readers in with interesting performer profiles and helpful tips for many of the tricks. The author introduces terminology in bold within the text and offers further explanations in the glossary. He provides clear instructions on a wide variety of activities and the mechanics of performing, clearly outlining the steps it takes to go from novice to experienced magician. Moran gives life to the stunts through cartoon line drawings that are clear and easy to follow. Each trick includes a description of the desired effect on the audience, the materials needed, and how to prepare for and perform it. Tips on grooming and how to handle tricks gone bad or hecklers are also mentioned. Lists of books, magazines, magic shops and suppliers, clubs and organizations, as well as places to go and see performances, with related Web sites, are appended. This comprehensive resource covers the subject in a lively, doable manner that encourages further investigation.-Cynde Marcengill, Horry County Memorial Library, Surfside Beach, SC (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.