Giggle Magic San Juan is a popular entertainment company based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. They specialize in providing unique and magical experiences for children and adults alike. With a team of talented performers, Giggle Magic San Juan aims to bring joy and laughter to every event they attend. One of the main attractions offered by Giggle Magic San Juan is their interactive magic shows. These shows incorporate comedy, illusions, and audience participation to create a truly unforgettable experience. The skilled magicians not only perform mind-boggling tricks, but also engage the audience by making them a part of the magic.
Twenty-five years later, fans still can't get enough of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in Practical Magic. Based on Alice Hoffman's novel of the same name, the 1998 movie starred the Oscar winners as witchy sisters Sally and Gilly Owens. But, despite the A-list line-up—which also included Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest as their delightfully wacky and brownies-for-breakfast-promoting aunts—critics failed to fall under Practical Magic's spell.
The recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York Foundation for the Arts, she has also headed El Museo del Barrio s Education Department. Every page of narrative is written in both English and Spanish, with explanations of vocabulary selections and lavish color illustrations by a famous muralist, Maria Dominguez.
The skilled magicians not only perform mind-boggling tricks, but also engage the audience by making them a part of the magic. This interactive element adds an extra layer of excitement and entertainment to the shows. In addition to their magic shows, Giggle Magic San Juan also offers a range of other services.
Sofi and the Magic, Musical Mural / Sofi y el mágico mural musical
When Sofi walks through her barrio to the local store, she always passes a huge mural with images from Puerto Rico: musicians, dancers, tropical flowers and—her least favorite—a vejigante, a character from carnival that wears a scary mask.
One day on her way home from the bodega, she stops in front of the mural. Is one of the dancers inviting her to be his partner? “Okay, let’s dance,” Sofi giggles, and suddenly she’s in Old San Juan, surrounded by dancers and musicians playing bongos, tambourines and güiros. She begins to dance and sing with her new friends, but her pleasure turns to fear when the vejigante—wearing a black jumper with yellow fringe and a red, three-horned mask—spins her around and around! What does he want from her? How can she get away?
This story about an imaginative girl and a magical mural is an engaging exploration of Puerto Rico’s cultural traditions as well as an ode to public art and the community it depicts. Featuring Maria Dominguez’s lovingly rendered, colorful illustrations, this bilingual picture book introduces the topic of community art to children ages 4 to 8. After reading this book, children—and some adults too—will want to make and share their own artistic creations!
Named to the 2016-17 Tejas Star Reading List
“Young Sofía walks to the bodega near her apartment to buy milk for her mom. From the sidewalk, she becomes entranced by a vibrant public mural that celebrates Puerto Rican culture. The dancers in the mural pull Sofía in, and she finds herself transported to Puerto Rico, listening to the island’s music, singing traditional songs, and dancing with new friends.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Magical realism merges with celebration of family heritage in this story of a Puerto Rican girl who seems to enter a large mural painted on a wall across the street from her home. The illustrations are dreamlike and offer a playful vibe.”—Foreword Reviews
“Every page of narrative is written in both English and Spanish, with explanations of vocabulary selections and lavish color illustrations by a famous muralist, Maria Dominguez. Sofi and the Magic, Musical Mural is an immediate immersion in the arts, a vivid cultural experience for young readers age 6 and up, filled with exotic flashes of joy.”—Midwest Book Review
“This bilingual picture book celebrates public art murals and culture, specifically the one located in the South Bronx entitled, “El Pueblo Cantor” (The Pueblo Sings). The story captures the power that art has on our senses and would be appropriate for art educators. Art educator and muralist Maria Dominguez adds colorful and spiraling illustrations to enhance the story.”—International Literacy Association
“This is a children’s book with magnificent illustrations that will capture the hearts of any child. The colors are beautifully done and are the pictures describe and coincide with the story wonderfully.”—The Latino Author
RAQUEL M. ORTIZ was born and raised in Lorain, Ohio, and has been making art and telling stories ever since she was a little girl. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Anthropology from the University of Salamanca and has worked at The Brooklyn Museum, the Allen Memorial Art Museum and El Museo del Barrio. Raquel is the author of El arte de la identidad (Editorial Universidad de Granada, 2011), the documentary Memories on the Wall: Education and Enrichment through Community Murals and textbooks and educational materials for children in Puerto Rico and the United States. She lives in New York City and is a professor at Boricua College. This is her first picture book.
MARIA DOMINGUEZ moved from Cataño, Puerto Rico, to New York City when she was five years old. She began her artistic career as a muralist with Cityarts in 1982; that first experience with public art showed her that people can create art together for their community. Over the past twenty-five years, Maria has created over twenty public art murals and in 2001 was commissioned by with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority of New York City. Presently, she continues to work with Artmakers, Inc. in New York City. The recipient of grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York Foundation for the Arts, she has also headed El Museo del Barrio’s Education Department. She currently teaches art in New York City’s Public School System. This is her first picture book.
GABRIELA BAEZA VENTURA is an associate professor of Spanish at the University of Houston. She has translated numerous children’s books, including Dalia’s Wondrous Hair / El cabello maravilloso de Dalia (Arte Público Press, 2014), There’s a Name for this Feeling: Stories / Hay un nombre para lo que siento: Cuentos (2014), Adelita and the Veggie Cousins / Adelita y las primas verduritas (2011) and Remembering Grandma / Recordando a Abuela (2003).
ATOS Interest Level: Lower/Middle Grades
Category: Picture Book
ATOS English: 4.4
ATOS Spanish: 4.2
Accelerated Reader Quiz #: 182186
Teaching Guide Here
Reader’s Theatre Here
Named to the 2016-17 Tejas Star Reading List
They provide professional face painting, balloon twisting, and caricature drawing to enhance the overall experience of any event. These services are performed by talented artists who are skilled in their respective crafts. Whether it's transforming a child into their favorite superhero or creating a whimsical balloon sculpture, Giggle Magic San Juan ensures that each attendee leaves with a smile on their face. Furthermore, Giggle Magic San Juan takes pride in their ability to customize their services to fit the theme and needs of any event. Whether it's a birthday party, corporate event, or wedding, they work closely with their clients to ensure that their performances and activities align with the desired atmosphere. This attention to detail and personalization sets Giggle Magic San Juan apart from other entertainment companies in the area. Overall, Giggle Magic San Juan is a highly sought-after entertainment company that brings joy and laughter to any event. Their interactive magic shows, professional face painting, balloon twisting, and caricature drawing services are tailored to meet the needs of their clients and create memorable experiences. The talented team at Giggle Magic San Juan is dedicated to providing top-notch entertainment and enjoyable moments for all ages..
Reviews for "The Magic of Old San Juan: Exploring the Historic District of Giggle Magic San Juan"
- John - 2 stars - I was really excited to see Giggle Magic San Juan based on all the positive reviews, but I left feeling disappointed. The show was lacking in energy and the jokes fell flat. The magician seemed unenthusiastic and it was clear that he was just going through the motions. Overall, it was a lackluster performance that did not live up to the hype.
- Sarah - 1 star - Giggle Magic San Juan was a complete waste of time and money. The magician's tricks were predictable and unimpressive. The jokes were corny and not funny at all. I found myself checking my watch multiple times throughout the show, just waiting for it to be over. I would not recommend this show to anyone looking for a fun and entertaining night out.
- Mark - 2 stars - Giggle Magic San Juan had potential, but it fell short. While the premise was interesting, the execution was lacking. The magician seemed disorganized and was fumbling with props throughout the show. The jokes were forced and it just felt like the performance was not well-rehearsed. I left feeling underwhelmed and wishing I had chosen a different show to attend.
- Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for Giggle Magic San Juan, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The magic tricks were mediocre at best and the comedian failed to deliver any real laughs. The show lacked cohesiveness and felt disjointed. It seemed like the magician was trying too hard to be funny and it just came across as awkward. I left feeling disappointed and wishing I had spent my money elsewhere.