Review: Magic Box

Magic Box by Katie Cleminson. 2009. 32 pgs. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. 9781423121091. Format examined: Hardcover.

Annotation: Eva is excited to play in her very special box. In it, she becomes a master magician who can do all sorts of incredible tricks.

Reaction: The old story about a child who gets a new toy in a big box and plays with the box more than the toy comes to life. Using a muted pallet before Eva starts her magic tricks, and transitioning to splatters of bright color once her magic comes to life, Cleminson uses color and balance to effectively show imagination at work.

Primary early literacy skills: Print Motivation. Cleminson created an easy to read, visually attractive book that relies on a child’s imagination, showing a child’s imagination at work.

Recommended ages: 3 years and older.

Tags/themes:  Magic, Imaginative Play, Creativity.

Author’s site/additional titles: www.katiecleminson.com