"Half Magic" by Edward Eager is a delightful children's fantasy novel that takes readers on a magical adventure filled with humor, friendship, and unexpected twists. The story follows four siblings: Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha, who discover a magical coin that grants wishes. However, there's a catch – the wishes only come true halfway. This concept leads to hilarious and sometimes chaotic situations as the children learn to navigate their newfound powers. As the siblings embark on their magical escapades, they encounter a variety of memorable characters, including Sir Launcelot and the Queen of Arabia. Each wish they make brings both excitement and challenges, teaching them valuable lessons about responsibility, fairness, and the power of teamwork.
As per my disclaimer above: Edward Eager would figure high on my list of magical books for children.
For anyone growing up in the 60s - 80s who frequented the children s section of their libraries and who loved magical books, more than likely you bumped up against Edward Eager s classic Half Magic and maybe a few of his others. But when Jane wishes inadvertently for a fire, a playhouse burns, and when Martha thoughtlessly wishes the cat could talk, the semiarticulate feline engages in an exasperating flow of half-meaningless words.
Each wish they make brings both excitement and challenges, teaching them valuable lessons about responsibility, fairness, and the power of teamwork. The children must learn to think creatively and work together to overcome obstacles and fulfill their wishes completely. Edward Eager's storytelling style is engaging and humorous, filled with clever wordplay and playful banter among the characters.
Half magix Edward eager
Mark, Katherine, Jane, and Martha, the children of a single mother, find themselves entrusted with a lot of responsibility when they discover a magic coin that works by halves. Their mother unwittingly has the first adventure with the coin, during which she suddenly finds herself halfway home from visiting her aunt and uncle, but soon the children are making carefully calculated wishes that take them to far-flung points in time and space.
My husband and I listened to the full cast audiobook recording of this book on a car trip years ago, but I believe I slept through some of it and therefore didn’t add it to my Goodreads shelves because I hadn’t read the full story. This time around, I read the book aloud to my three oldest daughters (ages 2, 4, and 6) and enjoyed it much more. My intended audience was really the oldest two girls, and they both loved the idea of the magic coin and its tricky way of granting wishes. Each time we sat down to read, they were curious to know who was going to have a turn with the coin next and how they were going to use it.
For me, the appeal was largely that, despite the magical elements, the story is grounded in reality. I have a hard time diving right into fantasy worlds, so I always appreciate it when an author begins in the real world and slowly introduces magic. I also thought it was a fun way to encourage my kids to think mathematically, and also a great excuse to introduce them to the legend of King Arthur, which figures heavily into one child’s adventure with the coin.
Half Magic will appeal to readers who like old-fashioned family stories, like Elizabeth Enright’s Melendys series or Eleanor Estes’s Moffats books, as well as to those who enjoy stories where magic enters the real world a la The Enchanted Castle by E. Nesbit. I plan to read aloud the sequel, Magic by the Lake, possibly during the upcoming school year.
My Disclaimer
The dialogues are witty and entertaining, making the book an enjoyable read for both children and adults. Additionally, the author weaves elements from classic literature and folklore into the narrative, adding depth to the story and encouraging young readers to explore these works further. Beyond its entertainment value, "Half Magic" also explores timeless themes such as the importance of imagination and the wonders of childhood. Through the adventures of Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha, readers are reminded of the magic that can be found in everyday life, if one looks closely enough. The book is a celebration of the boundless possibilities that come with being a child, where dreams can come true, even if only halfway. Overall, "Half Magic" is a charming and imaginative novel that captivates readers with its enchanting story and relatable characters. It teaches important life lessons in a lighthearted and entertaining manner, making it a beloved classic in children's literature. Edward Eager's clever writing and engaging storytelling make "Half Magic" a timeless tale that continues to enchant new generations of readers..
Reviews for "A Journey Into Imagination: How Half Magic by Edward Eager Sparks Creativity"
- Sarah - 1 star - I really did not enjoy "Half Magic" by Edward Eager. The plot was confusing and disjointed, and the characters were one-dimensional. I found it hard to connect with any of them or care about what happened to them. The magical elements felt forced and arbitrary, lacking the depth and intricacy that I expect from a fantasy story. Overall, I was disappointed and would not recommend this book.
- John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Half Magic" but it fell short for me. The writing style felt dated and the pacing was slow. The humor also didn't resonate with me; I found it forced and rather juvenile. The story had potential, but it never lived up to it. I kept waiting for something exciting or unexpected to happen, but it just never did. It lacked the enchantment and wonder I was hoping for in a children's fantasy book.
- Emily - 2.5 stars - "Half Magic" by Edward Eager didn't live up to the hype for me. The characters were uninteresting and the dialogue felt forced. I also found the plot to be predictable and lacking in originality. The concept of half magic was intriguing, but it was not explored in depth or in a satisfying way. Overall, I felt underwhelmed by this book and would not recommend it to others.