The "Comprehensive Guide to Magic and Witchcraft" by Kathryn Paulsen is an extensive and detailed exploration of the world of magic and witchcraft. In this book, Paulsen delves into the history, practices, and beliefs associated with these mystical arts. The main idea of this book is to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of magic and witchcraft. Paulsen begins by delving into the origins of magic and witchcraft, tracing their roots back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Egyptians. She explains how magic and witchcraft have evolved over time and how different cultures and societies have embraced or rejected these practices. One of the key aspects of this book is the exploration of different types of magic and witchcraft.
Review of the Day: Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
Amulet (Book One: The Stonekeeper>
By Kazu Kibuishi
Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic
$21.99
ISBN: 978-0-439-84680-6
Ages 10 and up
On shelves now Meh. Every story, whether it’s being told orally, as a book, as a graphic novel, or in a kind of performance is allowed to reuse old tropes. Particularly when the story being told is appropriate for kids, there’s a talent in figuring out how to use familiar images and objects in new and exciting ways. It’s what distinguishes the good writing from the knock-offs. The storyline that involves a hero who finds a powerful object of some sort that could be good or could be bad is one pretty classic example. Everything from The Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter brings it up, and so when I saw that Amulet (Book One: Stonekeeper), a new graphic novel series by Kazu Kibuishi also worked the idea in, that was pretty cool. Sadly the book ultimately disappointed me in terms of its storytelling and original content. It’s not a bad graphic novel by any means, but if you’re looking for a title about kids on a quest, there are certainly others I would recommend instead. Emily and Navin’s life has taken a turn for the better, or worse, depending on whom you talk to. Emily, for example, is not too thrilled that their mom has moved them into a new old house in some town called Norlen. Their mom, however, is determined to make the best of it. Ever since their father died in a car crash the kids have found money exceedingly tight and it’s time for a fresh start. That fresh start, however, is complicated when Emily finds a mysterious hidden amulet in her great-grandpa’s library and a big octopus-looking thing in the basement kidnaps her mom. Wait . . . what? It seems that things in this house are not what they seem, and before they know it Emily and Navin discover that they have a quest on their hands. Somebody wants their amulet. Someone else wants them to harness its power for good. Now with the help of a troop of small robots, these kids are ready to do whatever it takes to bring their family together once again.
A feeling of familiarity is usually noticed more by adult reviewers than by kid readers, but there’s no avoiding the sense of déjà vu in some scenes within this book. For example, Spiderwick fans will recognize the idea of kids moving into a creepy old mansion with their mother (a mansion that used to belong to an old male relative with odd otherworldly interests). Which is not to say that there aren’t new ideas as well. I don’t remember ever having seen a disgusting octopus-like creature that holds living prey in its belly in a book before. And a robot rabbit. . . it sounds familiar but not so much that I can identify the source. The plot itself is a small series of adventures, one by one, like different levels. The video game elements of such a tale do come naturally out of the storytelling, but they’re such static, predictable moments that it’s hard not to feel like the book is just an excuse for an Xbox game or upcoming action film. I dunno, maybe I’m being too harsh on it. There are some pretty amusing moments, after all. For example, when Navin gets to fly a plane the view of the steering wheel is quite clearly Nintendo-inspired. That’s probably going to be a joke kids get more often than adults (which I appreciate). I liked the repeated images of hand clasping and then consciously letting go. The art is fine, though I think I liked the book a lot more when I read it in full-color (as hand-painted by Kibuishi’s wife Amy). Generally though this isn’t the strongest comic you’ll find on the market for kids today. Serviceable, but not extraordinary.
- In case you missed it, Will Smith’s kids are starring in the movie.
- And the author had some nice interviews over at Finding Wonderland and lectitans back in June of 2007.
About Betsy Bird
Betsy Bird is currently the Collection Development Manager of the Evanston Public Library system and a former Materials Specialist for New York Public Library. She has served on Newbery, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she'd love to tell you about but that she's sure you'd find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Follow her on Twitter: @fuseeight.
One of the key aspects of this book is the exploration of different types of magic and witchcraft. Paulsen discusses various forms of magic, such as divination, herbalism, and spellcasting. She explains how these practices work and provides practical tips and advice for those interested in pursuing them.
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In addition to exploring the various forms of magic, Paulsen delves into the beliefs and philosophies associated with witchcraft. She discusses concepts such as karma, the law of attraction, and the power of intention. She also addresses common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding magic and witchcraft. Throughout the book, Paulsen provides exercises and rituals for readers to try. These practices are designed to enhance the reader's understanding and experience of magic and witchcraft. Additionally, she includes helpful resources and references for further study. Overall, "The Comprehensive Guide to Magic and Witchcraft" by Kathryn Paulsen is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about the world of magic and witchcraft. With its thorough exploration of the history, practices, and beliefs associated with these mystical arts, this book offers readers a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating subject..
Reviews for "The Witch's Toolbox: Essential Tools and Ingredients Discussed in 'The Comprehensive Guide"
- John Smith - 1 star
I was highly disappointed with "The comprehensive guide to magic and witchcraft kathryn paulsen pdf". I expected a comprehensive guide, but what I got was a poorly written and confusing mess. The author jumps from one topic to another without any logical flow. The information provided is shallow and lacks depth. Overall, I found this book to be a waste of time and money.
- Sarah Johnson - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The comprehensive guide to magic and witchcraft kathryn paulsen pdf", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The writing style is dry and lacks excitement. The author presents the information in a monotonous way, making it difficult to stay engaged. Additionally, the book often relies on outdated sources and does not provide any fresh perspectives on the subject. Overall, I was left unsatisfied with this guide.
- Alex Thompson - 1 star
I regret purchasing "The comprehensive guide to magic and witchcraft kathryn paulsen pdf". The information provided is so basic and rudimentary that it felt like I was reading a Wikipedia page rather than a comprehensive guide. The author fails to delve into any complex aspects of magic and witchcraft, leaving readers with a shallow understanding of the subject. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking in-depth knowledge on magic and witchcraft.