Uncle Ivan's Magic Box - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 2 During a visit, Uncle Ivan the magician turns his young nephew's world on its ear by leading him inside his magic box. In this ever-expanding environment, Uncle Ivan and his six- or seven-year-old nephew experience the sensation of weightlessness. The boy wonders at the extraordinary effects that the lack of gravity produces on everyday objects; water poured from a pitcher forms a ball, and a bowl of fruit floats away when lightly touched. Even the moon gets into the act by suddenly appearing inside the box, giving Uncle Ivan an excuse for a brief explanation of its role in controlling ocean tides. Unfortunately, the enjoyment of the sumptuous, often compelling illustrations, executed with colored and lead pencils, is hampered by an awkward, uneven prose style. Although the young boy narrates the story, the vocabulary and fanciful descriptions are far beyond his years. Creating magical adventures for children can produce fascinating and exhilarating reading experiences, as in Chris Van Allsburg's Jumanji (1981) or The Garden of Abdul Gasazi (1979, both Houghton). However, Jensen's effort here to describe gravity and weightlessness in terms of magic is simply confusing. The points are further obfuscated by an incomplete explanation of the moon's gravitational pull on the earth's oceans. Like Uncle Ivan's abandoned magic rabbit, his magic box should be left behind. Martha Rosen, Edgewood School, Scarsdale, N.Y.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Dressed in brilliant carnival attire, Uncle Ivan visits his nephew and brings a magic box into which they climb. Inside, they spin playfully in weightless animation, floating like astronautsalong with furniture, a cat, and surprisingly, the moon itself. Uncle Ivan tells Tom about ocean tides and the moon's influence on them. In a much-needed footnote the author explains that her purpose was to show what happens if you imagine "breaking away from gravity," but the resulting text is disappointing; it relies heavily on the topsy-turvy artwork to show what gravity is all about. However, this remains a visual feast, with exuberant pictures and elegant page details throughout. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.