Magic Tricks with Coins, Cards, and Everyday Objects

A sunny array of card, coin, and doodad magic tricks presented in step-by-step format. Much of the pleasure of Banfield's show-and-tell guide to trickery is the sheer joy he brings to the project....Tricks sure to disarm even someone with a bad case of the grumps.

Noting in the introduction that he prefers magic built around everyday objects, magician Banfield demonstrates more than 50 tricks that use playing cards, coins, rubber bands, wine corks, cell phones, and other readily available items. Photos show Banfield performing each trick, as well as a number of versatile sleight-of-hand techniques that include the "French drop," "fake take," and "false transfer" (all three are methods of making a coin disappear). Throughout, Banfield emphasizes the importance of practice, presentation ("Juggling is a great skill and it's a good way to fill awkward gaps in your show"), and a well-trained memory. Readers who are serious about learning magic will enjoy getting the inside scoop on its subtleties while gaining experience with the technical aspects of the craft. Ages 7-11. (July)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 4-8—This beginner's manual on magic tricks uses common place objects. The book is divided into sections on "Card Tricks," "Coin Tricks," "Everyday Objects," and "Mind Reading." Smart sequencing, along with an exhaustive table of contents, makes any trick easy to find—even without an index. Each section starts with a spread that presents the basics of each type of illusion. For example, "Card Tricks" begins with a presentation of the standard "holds" and manual manipulations that make the schemes possible. Each feat is detailed with clear, instructional text and step-by-step photographs that show each technique from multiple angles. Key terms are in bold and defined in a glossary at the end. The pages are colorful and convey a sense of excitement without being busy or unfocused. Before explicating the individual tricks, Banfield discusses the importance of practicing, developing a style and stage presence, and perfecting specific "trios of tricks" in order to hold an audience's attention. VERDICT This introduction to magic with everyday items is highly recommended for middle school library collections and will be relished by those embarking on the journey toward mystifying their friends and family.—Kelly Kingrey-Edwards, Blinn Junior College, Brenham, TX

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"A sunny array of card, coin, and doodad magic tricks presented in step-by-step format. Much of the pleasure of Banfield's show-and-tell guide to trickery is the sheer joy he brings to the project....Tricks sure to disarm even someone with a bad case of the grumps."—Kirkus Reviews - Kirkus Reviews