Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Noting in the introduction that he prefers magic built around everyday objects, magician Banfield demonstrates more than 50 tricks that use playing cards, coins, rubber bands, wine corks, cell phones, and other readily available items. Photos show Banfield performing each trick, as well as a number of versatile sleight-of-hand techniques that include the "French drop," "fake take," and "false transfer" (all three are methods of making a coin disappear). Throughout, Banfield emphasizes the importance of practice, presentation ("Juggling is a great skill and it's a good way to fill awkward gaps in your show"), and a well-trained memory. Readers who are serious about learning magic will enjoy getting the inside scoop on its subtleties while gaining experience with the technical aspects of the craft. Ages 7-11. (July) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
This useful guide contains fifty-two magic tricks and also informs readers how to plan and structure a magic show, rehearse for it, and keep the audience involved. Banfield, a young magician with a contagious smile, presents each trick via color photographs of himself, close-ups of coins/cards, and brief explanations. It's sure to give young would-be magicians a head start on achieving success. Glos. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
A sunny array of card, coin, and doodad magic tricks presented in step-by-step format.Much of the pleasure of Banfield's show-and-tell guide to trickery is the sheer joy he brings to the project: "The truth is I get such a rush from the moment I absolutely astound someone with a cool trick." To introduce each of the four broad categories the 52 tricks are divided among, the young white man offers some basic tools of each of the trades. Within those categories, each move for each trick is shown in numbered sequence and is easy enough to follow with the eye, but it is best to remember Banfield's words at the beginning of the book. Rule No. 1 is never reveal the secret to a trick: that would take the magic out of it. Rule No. 2: "understand, practice, and master each trick before you perform it." And rule No. 3 is to enjoy the thrill you give. Tips complement each trick, but they are not shortcuts. They might aid in showing how to add grace to a move or how to distract an audience for that critical, magical second. Banfield has also got a sense of humor: for the "Mind-Reading Code" trick, "you will need: a good memory and an accomplice." Lastly, Banfield has a magic smile. It is exactly the same in over 60 photographs. Pretty amazing. Tricks sure to disarm even someone with a bad case of the grumps. (Nonfiction. 8-16) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
