Half Magic is a children's fantasy novel written by Edward Eager. In this book, the protagonist, Jane, discovers a magic coin that grants wishes, but only grants half of the wish. This leads to many humorous and sometimes dangerous situations. The story begins with Jane, her brother Mark, and their friends Katherine and Martha, sitting bored during summer vacation. They stumble upon the magic coin and use it to wish for a picnic. However, they only end up with half of the food they wanted.
Eager was a Broadway lyricist who, despite his name, knew the value of delay. By the time the children have discovered the real limits of the charm, and of their own wills, it's time to relinquish it.
Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen. Jane notices a coin glinting in a crack in the pavement; only when she ill-temperedly wishes a fire would relieve the summer boredom and immediately hears emergency sirens it s just a half-fire, in a spoilt child s playhouse , does she suspect the coin s remarkable qualities.
However, they only end up with half of the food they wanted. Determined to make the most of the magic, they continue to make wishes. Throughout the book, the children realize that they must be very specific with their wishes to get the desired outcome.
Half Magic, 1 - (Tales of Magic) by Edward Eager (Paperback)
It all begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk. Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen.
And something does: Her wish is granted. Or not quite. Only half of her wish comes true. It turns out the coin grants wishes--but only by half, so that you must wish for twice as much as you want.
Wishing for two times some things is a cinch, but other doubled wishes only cause twice as much trouble. What is half of twice a talking cat? Or to be half-again twice not-here? And how do you double your most heartfelt wish, the one you care about so much it has to be perfect?
This funny and gentle classic series is an enjoyable read-aloud and also a strong choice for independent reading. For fans of such favorite series as The Penderwicks and The Vanderbeekers.
Enjoy all seven of the middle grade novels in Edward Eager's beloved Tales of Magic series!
Review Quotes
"Half Magic is a funny, charming, timeless book, as much a pleasure to read to a child now as it was forty years ago. Those who had it read to them then may even have an obligation to pass on the pleasure." --The New York Times Book Review * "Ingenious make-believe. . . . Satisfying variety, surprise, and laughter. . . . A book children will want to read at one sitting." --Library Journal, starred review --
About the Author
Edward Eager (1911-1964) worked primarily as a playwright and lyricist. It wasn't until 1951, while he was searching for books to read to his young son, Fritz, that he began writing children's stories. His classic Tales of Magic series started with the best-selling Half Magic, published in 1954.
The charm, worn thin by time, halves desires in unpredictable ways, and demands a variety of complicated sums. "What would twice as much as never having to learn fractions be," a bemused Martha grumbles. Eager chronicles the gradual steps to comprehending the charm's powers, such as magicking the cat into petulant half-speech ("Idlwidl bixbax. Grompaw. Fooz!"). Mark longs to be on a desert island, and suddenly there's hot sand in every direction. "You just got half a wish," says his elder sister. "Desert, yes. Island, no."
For example, when they wish to go to Camelot, they end up in a deserted field until they specify that they want to see knights and castles. The half wishes add a layer of complexity and humor to their adventures. Half Magic explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the power of imagination. As the children navigate their wishes, they learn about compromise and the importance of working together. The magical element brings excitement and surprise to their lives, while also teaching valuable life lessons. Edward Eager's writing style is engaging and humorous, making the story enjoyable for both children and adults. His characters are relatable and likable, with unique personalities that add depth to the narrative. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping readers hooked until the very end. Overall, Half Magic is a delightful and imaginative tale that sparks the reader's imagination and leaves them with a sense of wonder. Edward Eager's storytelling and the relatable characters make this book a timeless classic in children's literature. Whether read aloud or independently, Half Magic is a magical adventure that will capture the hearts of readers of all ages..
Reviews for "From Page to Screen: A Comparison of Edward Eager's Half Magic and Its Film Adaptation"
1. Emily - 1 star
I found "Half Magic" by Edward Eager to be quite disappointing. The concept of four children finding a magical coin that grants them wishes sounded promising, but I felt that the execution fell flat. The plot was predictable and lacked depth, and the characters felt one-dimensional. Additionally, the writing style was unremarkable and failed to engage me as a reader. Overall, I found "Half Magic" to be a lackluster and forgettable read.
2. Jason - 2 stars
I picked up "Half Magic" by Edward Eager expecting an enchanting and whimsical story, but sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations. While the idea of a magical coin that grants half of the wish was interesting, I found the overall story to be disjointed and confusing. The transitions between the different wishes were abrupt, and the resolution of the conflicts felt rushed. Moreover, I didn't feel a strong connection with the characters, and their development felt lacking. Overall, "Half Magic" wasn't a captivating read for me, and I wouldn't recommend it.
3. Samantha - 2 stars
I was underwhelmed by "Half Magic" by Edward Eager. The concept of children finding a magical coin and the adventures that follow sounded intriguing, but the execution left much to be desired. The story lacked depth and felt shallow, with the conflict and resolution being too simplistic. Additionally, the writing style felt dry and uninspiring, failing to capture my interest or imagination. While "Half Magic" may appeal to young readers, I found it to be a mediocre and unremarkable read.