In Magic Up Your Sleeve, award-winning author Helaine Becker uses dozens of optical illusions and activities to show how the world of magic manipulates the simple scientific principles of illusion and perception to leave audiences baffled. Budding magicians will learn to make an apple appear to bounce like a tennis ball, to seemingly lift an ice cube without touching, and create an "unpoppable" balloon. Every activity has been tested, is clearly explained, and is designed to provide quick results using only a handful of common household materials. Difficulty ratings are assigned to each trick to help readers choose activities that match their ability. Also paired with each trick is a “What’s Going On?” sidebar, which spills the secrets on the science behind the trickery. Special pages within each chapter grant kids glimpses into the lives of professional magicians and provide them with intriguing facts about the history of magic. From special effects to ancient “magic,” these pages complement the step-by-step tricks perfectly. A bonus Magician’s Survival Guide at the end of the book gives kids the inside scoop on how to stage their own magic show. From how to prepare and what to wear to the art of perfecting patter, this guide will help kids leave their audiences amazed and astounded.
With simple step-by-step instructions, your little Houdini can learn how to conjure up some magic of his own…Crammed with fascinating science facts and a magician’s survival guide, it’s all he’ll need to wow his audience.
Helaine Becker and Claudia Davila have produced another fascinating book…an enterprising teacher might just add some excitement to their lessons by perfecting a few relevant illusions.
Amazing! I think this would be a great magic book for both boys and girls.
[An] upbeat introduction to magic that slyly folds science and math concepts into clearly explained tricks...Fun and instructive for a wide age range of aspiring illusionists.
If you know any budding prestidigitators, you’ll want to make sure that this fabulous new book by Helaine Becker appears in their hands as soon as possible.
Budding magicians will be delighted by this new addition to the genre...A welcome addition that should vanish off library shelves.
The breezy narrative tone and colorful digital cartoons keep the content light and the science easy to swallow.
This edition is not currently available in bookstores. Check your local library or search for used copies at Abebooks.
Abracadabra! Alakazam! Want to become the next Houdini? With this marvellous magic book you’ll learn how to create a magician’s kit and then be prepared to awe your friends and family. From tricks of the eye to mind reading, from levitation to the mysteries of gravity, this comically illustrated magic book has it all. Readers will also learn interesting facts about magicians of the past and the science behind the trickery.
Source: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre. Best Books for Kids & Teens. 2011.