Note: I received an F&G at an ALA conference. ( )

If I had the money, every library on the planet would have a copy of this book. This book is an ode to libraries and the magic that can be found within the pages of books. It matters not what you want to do or be, it can be found in the pages of a book. Simply perfect story for librarians and book nerds alike. ( )

The magic of reading is books.....and the magic of books is reading.....have FUN

The Magician's Hat, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff

When a magician turns up at their library's Family Fun Day, a group of children is entranced by his magic tricks. Then he tells them the tale of his own youthful adventure at the library, during which he discovered a book on magic, and through it, his calling in life. Letting each child reach into his wondrous hat, he dispenses books that perform that same function for them: giving them inspiration in picking the road ahead...

Originally published in 2015 by Read With Malcolm Inc., the foundation that author and football player Malcolm Mitchell started in order to promote literacy, The Magician's Hat was originally illustrated by Dennis Campay. This new 2018 edition from Scholastic is illustrated by the Dutch artist Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. I enjoyed the story here, applaud the purpose of the book - to demonstrate the magic of books, and of libraries! - and appreciated the bright, colorful artwork. I particularly liked the two-page spread, meant to be looked at vertically, of the magician with his hat, magic swirling inside it. Recommended to all young would-be magicians, and to anyone looking for children's stories about why reading and books are so important. ( )