Neil Gaiman is a well-known author who has gained acclaim for his ability to create magic within his stories. His unique style and imaginative storytelling have captivated readers of all ages. Gaiman's magic is not the traditional kind filled with wizards and spells, but rather a more subtle and nuanced form of magic that exists in the ordinary world. In his works, he showcases the power of storytelling and the way it can transport readers into new worlds and make the impossible feel real. Gaiman's magic is often found in the mundane, in the everyday aspects of life that we often overlook. He has a talent for taking something ordinary and transforming it into something extraordinary.
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
But when they tease him for being lazy, he says he is hard at work thinking and will have to find a new place to sleep, that is to think, for all the noise they are making. Based on tales originating in West Africa and familiar in Caribbean culture, the five-book Anansi the Trickster series is full of slapstick humor and mischief.
He has a talent for taking something ordinary and transforming it into something extraordinary. Whether it's a graveyard filled with ghostly inhabitants or a door that leads to other worlds, Gaiman's magic is always lurking just beneath the surface. It's a magic that invites readers to look at the world with fresh eyes and to question the boundaries of reality.
Anansi and the Magic Stick
When the other animals laugh at his messy house, Anansi the Spider is embarrassed. He wants to fix the problem . . . as long as he doesn't have to work too hard.
Stomping off in a huff, Anansi stumbles into an amazing secret—Hyena has a magic stick that follows his orders. If he steals it, the spider thinks, he'll have the neatest home in town and he'll never have to work again.
But the magic might be more than Anansi bargained for.
Based on tales originating in West Africa and familiar in Caribbean culture, the five-book Anansi the Trickster series is full of slapstick humor and mischief. Eric A. Kimmel’s imaginative retellings combined with Janet Stevens’ expressive illustrations create the perfect silly stories for fun-loving kids.
". An enjoyable offering that is clever, funny, surprising, and traditional all at once."—School Library Journal
"Stevens's comic creatures with their surprised expressions add kid appeal."—Publishers Weekly
" The slapstick of the trickster out-tricked is a lot of fun, and preschoolers will want to join in the rhythmic chant, "Hocus pocus, Magic Stick…"—Booklist
Eric A. Kimmel, having loved traditional stories since he was a child, has written, retold, and adapted folktales and legends from around the world. Along with Anansi and the Magic Stick, Kimmel has written four other Anansi titles, including Anansi’s Party Time, which was awarded Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Book of the Year in 2008. Dr. Kimmel lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife Doris.
Janet Stevens has written and illustrated popular books for over 30 years. Some of her titles include Coyote Steals the Blanket: A Ute Tale and Tops & Bottoms. Her books include New York Times Bestsellers, Time Magazine Best Books of the Year, ALA Notable books, and a Caldecott Honor. She is most proud of her numerous state book awards that were voted on by young readers. She has two children and lives in Boulder, Colorado.
". An enjoyable offering that is clever, funny, surprising, and traditional all at once."—School Library Journal
"Stevens's comic creatures with their surprised expressions add kid appeal."—Publishers Weekly
" The slapstick of the trickster out-tricked is a lot of fun, and preschoolers will want to join in the rhythmic chant, "Hocus pocus, Magic Stick…"—Booklist
Through his stories, Gaiman shows us that magic is not something reserved for fairy tales or childhood fantasies, but something that can be found in our own lives if we are willing to believe. His writing reminds us that there is more to the world than meets the eye and that there is magic all around us waiting to be discovered..
Reviews for "Exploring the Moral and Ethical Implications of Magic in Neil Gaiman's Writing"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - I've heard so much hype about Neil Gaiman's magical storytelling, but I was left feeling disappointed after reading one of his books. The magic in his pages just didn't enchant me the way I expected. The plot felt convoluted and confusing, and the characters lacked depth and development. Maybe I just didn't connect with his writing style, but I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout the entire book. Overall, Gaiman's magic fell flat for me.
2. Jane Smith - 3 stars - I was initially drawn to Neil Gaiman's books because of their magical elements, but unfortunately, they didn't live up to my expectations. While his descriptions of magic were vivid and imaginative, I felt like the overall execution of the magical elements was lackluster. It left me wanting more depth and complexity, as I felt like I had seen similar concepts in other fantasy novels. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I was hoping for a more unique and captivating magical experience from Gaiman's work.
3. David Johnson - 2 stars - I tried to immerse myself in Neil Gaiman's magical worlds, but I just couldn't get into them. His magic felt superficial and predictable, lacking the sense of wonder and awe I usually associate with the genre. The stories seemed to rely too heavily on typical fantasy tropes without adding anything new or exciting. I respect Gaiman as a writer, but his magical elements were a letdown for me, personally.