
Reach for this book when your child is starting to ask how things work or shows a burgeoning interest in the 'magic' of real-world inventions. It is an ideal bridge for the transition from pure fantasy into a curiosity about history and science, providing a safe space to explore the excitement of big crowds and the pressure of a deadline. Jack and Annie travel to the 1889 World's Fair in Paris to find four 'magicians' for Merlin. As they navigate the bustling grounds and the newly built Eiffel Tower, they discover that the magicians aren't wizards at all, but pioneers of science and technology. It beautifully balances the thrill of a secret mission with the historical awe of the Industrial Revolution, fostering resilience and teamwork in readers aged 6 to 9.
The book is secular and lighthearted. It briefly touches on the overwhelming nature of large crowds and the fear of heights (at the Eiffel Tower), but the resolution is consistently hopeful and empowering.
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Sign in to write a reviewA second or third grader who loves facts and 'how-to' books but still wants the comfort of a familiar fantasy framework. It is perfect for a child who feels intimidated by the 'bigness' of the world and needs to see how individual curiosity can change it.
No heavy lifting required. The book can be read cold, though looking up a picture of the 1889 World's Fair together can enhance the visual experience. A child expressing frustration that 'magic isn't real' or feeling overwhelmed by a school project on history or science.
Younger children (6-7) will focus on the 'hide and seek' aspect of finding the magicians. Older children (8-9) will appreciate the 'aha!' moment when they recognize the famous historical figures and understand the transition from myth to modern science.
Unlike many historical fantasies that focus on royalty or wars, this book celebrates the 'magic' of human ingenuity and the specific wonder of the Victorian era's scientific leaps.
Jack and Annie are sent by Merlin to 1889 Paris during the Exposition Universelle. Their mission is to find four 'New Magicians' and deliver an urgent message. The siblings navigate the fairgrounds, encounter the massive Eiffel Tower, and eventually identify the magicians as Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Gustave Eiffel, and Louis Pasteur. They learn that science and invention are their own kind of magic.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
