Magic is a word that evokes a sense of wonder and mystique. It is the art of manipulating the supernatural forces to achieve unusual and extraordinary feats. From levitation to disappearing acts, magic has been captivating audiences for centuries. Magicians, also known as conjurers, use a combination of sleight of hand, misdirection, and illusion to create their mesmerizing performances. They have the ability to make objects disappear and reappear, transform one object into another, or even read minds. Their skill and mastery of their craft leave audiences spellbound.
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2021
On each double-page spread, she likens her hair to something in nature When she wears it loose, her hair resembles ocean currents; she compares her Bantu knots to the windswept desert; with colorful barrettes in it, her hair is a cloudless sky on a winter night ; and her braids are like long vines tumbling from a garden trellis. On each double-page spread, she likens her hair to something in nature When she wears it loose, her hair resembles ocean currents; she compares her Bantu knots to the windswept desert; with colorful barrettes in it, her hair is a cloudless sky on a winter night ; and her braids are like long vines tumbling from a garden trellis.
Their skill and mastery of their craft leave audiences spellbound. Magic is not limited to stage performances, but it has also found its way into literature and pop culture. Countless books and movies have been dedicated to showcasing the magical world, where witches, wizards, and sorcerers cast spells and enchantments.
MAGIC LIKE THAT
A fine addition to an expanding body of hair-affirming books that exude Black girl self-love and confidence.
A 20-some–years-later companion to Natasha Tarpley’s I Love My Hair (1998).
A young, dark-skinned, brown-eyed Black girl declares, “My hair is magic,” as she smiles at her own image in a mirror while her puffy, freshly shampooed hair drips. While she cringes when her mother combs out her tangles to style her hair, she admires and appreciates the results. She then describes a plethora of hairstyles she wears that show the versatility of her Afro-textured hair. On each double-page spread, she likens her hair to something in nature: When she wears it loose, her hair resembles ocean currents; she compares her Bantu knots to the windswept desert; with colorful barrettes in it, her hair is “a cloudless sky on a winter night”; and her braids are “like long vines tumbling from a garden trellis.” After each simile comes the refrain: “My hair is [adjective] like that”—majestic, mischievous, stunning, elegant, etc. Haitian American author Doyon creates an affirming story, enhanced by Black illustrator Bowers’ use of bright colors, lots of bold, face-front images, and beautiful natural settings to positively portray dark skin, African physical features, and highly textured hair. Readers who enjoy Yesenia Moises’ Stella’s Stellar Hair (2021) and M.L. Marroquin and Tonya Engel’s My Hair Is Magic (2020) will find just as much to love in this book.
A fine addition to an expanding body of hair-affirming books that exude Black girl self-love and confidence. (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 7, 2021
ISBN: 970-1-64379-070-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Review Posted Online: June 28, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2021
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More by Samara Cole Doyon
- BOOK REVIEW
The allure of magic lies in its ability to suspend disbelief and transport us to a realm of endless possibilities. It allows us to escape the ordinary and enter a world where the extraordinary becomes possible. It sparks our imagination and ignites a sense of wonder within us. While magic may seem like pure fantasy, it often requires hours of practice and dedication. Magicians spend countless hours perfecting their tricks and illusions to create a seamless performance. Their skills are honed through years of experience and a deep understanding of human psychology. Magic has the power to leave a lasting impression on its audience. It has the ability to bring joy, awe, and wonder into our lives. It serves as a reminder that there is still magic in the world if we are open to seeing it. In conclusion, magic is a captivating art form that has entertained and fascinated people for centuries. It is the ability to manipulate supernatural forces in order to create extraordinary and seemingly impossible feats. Whether it is on stage or in literature, magic has the power to transport us to a world of wonder and leave us spellbound..
Reviews for "Beyond the Rabbit in the Hat: Innovative Magic Tricks That Defy Expectations"
1. John - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Magic like that". I found the storyline to be predictable and the characters to be lacking depth. The magic system was also very generic and didn't bring anything new or interesting to the table. Overall, I felt like I had seen this story before and there was nothing remarkable about it.
2. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't even finish "Magic like that". The writing was mediocre at best, with clumsy dialogue and awkward pacing. The characters were incredibly one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The plot was also all over the place and lacked coherence. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written magical story.
3. Emma - 2 stars - "Magic like that" was a letdown for me. The concept had so much potential, but it fell flat in execution. The magic world-building was underdeveloped and inconsistent, which made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The romance felt forced and lacked chemistry, and I couldn't connect with the main character's journey. Overall, I found the book to be forgettable and unremarkable in a genre filled with amazing magical adventures.
4. Michael - 3 stars - While "Magic like that" had some interesting moments, it didn't fully live up to my expectations. The pacing was off, with slow sections that dragged on and fast-paced scenes that felt rushed. The plot had potential, but it lacked depth and complexity. The ending also felt rushed and unsatisfying. Overall, this book had potential, but it needed more polish and refinement to truly captivate its readers.
5. Emily - 2 stars - "Magic like that" was a disappointment for me. The writing style felt amateurish, with clunky descriptions and repetitive phrases. The characters were bland and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their fates. The magic system was also poorly explained and felt inconsistent throughout the book. I was hoping for a magical, gripping story, but unfortunately, this book fell short of my expectations.