
A parent might reach for this book when their child shows an interest in performance or needs a fun, screen-free way to build confidence and social skills. Authored by the beloved entertainer Shari Lewis, "Abracadabra! Magic and Other Tricks" is a classic, accessible guide to learning the art of illusion. It teaches children fundamental magic tricks using everyday objects like cards, coins, and rubber bands. The book fosters perseverance through practice, sparks creativity in developing a performance, and builds self-esteem when a trick is successfully performed. It’s an excellent choice for children ready to follow multi-step instructions and who would enjoy being the star of their own little show for family and friends.
None. The book is a straightforward, secular guide to performing magic tricks for entertainment. Its approach is entirely practical and skill-based.
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Sign in to write a reviewAn 8-12 year old who enjoys puzzles, projects, and performance. It's perfect for a child who is beginning to crave independence and mastery over a skill. It can be a powerful tool for a slightly shy or introverted child, giving them a structured and impressive way to engage with peers and family. Also great for the budding comedian or class clown who wants to channel their energy into a performance.
No preparation is needed to read the book, but a parent's engagement can enhance the experience. They may need to help gather simple props (a deck of cards, some coins, string). It would be beneficial to preview a trick to help a child who gets stuck on a step. The most valuable prep is being a willing and enthusiastic first audience member for a newly learned trick. A parent notices their child is bored and needs an engaging, hands-on hobby away from screens. Or, a parent sees their child struggling with confidence or social initiation and wants to provide a tool to help them shine. Another trigger could be a child's expressed interest in magicians or illusions seen on TV or online.
An 8 or 9-year-old will gravitate towards the more physical, prop-based tricks with a quick payoff, focusing on mastering the mechanics. A 11 or 12-year-old is more capable of understanding the psychological aspects of magic, such as misdirection and patter. They can build a more polished routine and may even start to create their own variations on the tricks presented.
Unlike modern, glossy magic books that often come with pre-packaged props, this book's strength is its classic, back-to-basics approach. Its vintage charm, connection to the iconic Shari Lewis, and focus on using everyday objects make magic feel accessible and creative, not commercial. It teaches the foundational skills of magic, empowering kids to be magicians with whatever they have on hand.
This is a non-fiction instructional book that teaches children classic magic tricks. The book is organized into chapters based on the type of props used (e.g., cards, coins, string, mind-reading). Each trick is broken down into simple, numbered steps, accompanied by line-drawing illustrations often featuring Shari Lewis and her puppet, Lamb Chop. The focus is on sleight of hand and clever presentation using common household items, rather than expensive or complicated props.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.