Zachary Hyman

When we first begin the story we are told that the Magician's Secret is the wonderous and unknown factor of Magic. Even though magic plays a role in grandpa's life (he was a magician), what Charlie really treasures most is his time with grandpa in the attic telling tales about grandpa's life and adventures with the items inside the Magic Story Chest. Stories of grandpa in a dogfight with the Red Baron...Rat-A-Tat-Tat...stories of how grandpa outwitted a T-Rex... Zing! Zing! Zing!...and more. It tells how sadly, most grownups have lost their ability to imagine great big daydreams of possibilities. To this grandpa tells Charlie that they don't have faith in make-believe anymore and that using your imagination can do amazing things like turning a dream into something real. Grandpa teaches Charlie that magic is not only all around us, it's in us too and there's tremendous power in Belief. This book not only has beautiful pictures but a beautiful message to boot. I think we all could stand to remind ourselves to stop and take some time out of our very important/serious/responsible day and just think incredible thoughts and dream miraculous dreams. The power of imagination and belief are not only crucial to the development and wellbeing of our kids but we as adults could stand to be reminded every now and again as well. The Magician's Secret does just that. It is written very well and flows nicely. Sure to be treasured by your little believer.… (mehr)

This is a wonderful story about the time a boy spends with his grandfather. He used to be a magician and has a trunk in the attic. Everyday, he pulls something from the trunk and takes Charlie on a journey somewhere on earth or somewhere in time. It is a beautifully illustrated story about the power of imagination. Charlie is treated to a different story that he shares with his father, until his father tells him that they are all tall tales. Charlie and his grandfather talk about the magic in the world unleashed by imagination and that night he unleashes the power of his own imagination and shows up in one of grandfather's adventures just in time to save him. A great story for sharing with little ones or with school children to help them use their imagination. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.… (mehr)

A young boy and his magical grandpa discover the mysteries of imagination in this beautifully illustrated tale. There is a note in the front stating that the artwork was rendered digitally so that's a great testimony for the art of digital rendering. The story is good but the first page doesn't seem to connect to the rest of the story which was a little odd. You expect the events to be happening while the parents are out but then you discover it is a regular occurrence. On the whole a fun book but younger children won't understand where he's going with the philosopher's stone message.… (mehr)