Magic Up Your Sleeve: Amazing Illusions, Tricks, and Science Facts You'll Never Believe - Softcover

HELAINE BECKER has published in many children's genres, from humorous verse to educational textbooks. Her knack for blending humor and education into a satisfying package that both delights and informs is recognized by critics and booksellers across North America. Her award-winning books include Boredom Blasters, Secret Agent Y.O.U., and Science on the Loose. Originally from New York, she lives in Toronto with her husband and two sons.

Claudia Dávila was born in Chile and raised in Toronto, where she studied Fine Arts at York University. She is now a freelance designer, illustrator, and graphic artist and used to be the art director of chickaDEE and Chirp magazines. She lives in Toronto with her daughter and husband, fellow illustrator Michael Cho.

“You control the forces of the universe!” begins this upbeat introduction to magic that slyly folds science and math concepts into clearly explained tricks with lively names, such as “Give It Up for Gravity!” Each lively spread, illustrated with digitally rendered cartoons, begins with step-by-step instructions for carrying out the tricks, most involving common household items; and the added script suggestions for what to say, as well as what to do, are particularly welcome. Also included on each spread are “What's Going On” text boxes that discuss concepts (“Geometry is your secret assistant in this trick”), as well as interesting related facts, often displayed in colorful text balloons. Becker shows that young people's ingenuity has long contributed to magic history: in 1869, for example, a 16-year-old American discovered that lemon juice could be used to make invisible ink. Teachers may want to borrow ideas for interactive classroom fun, while a closing “Magician's Survival Guide” offers tips for putting together an independent show. Fun and instructive for a wide age range of aspiring illusionists. Grades 4-7. --Gillian Engberg