Tuesday, October 13, 2009

The Timeless Magic of Half Magic


Title - Half Magic
Author - Edward Eager
Publisher - Scholastic
Date Published - 1954.
Ages - 9-12.

Synopsis -

It all Begins with a strange coin on a sun-warmed sidewalk. Jane finds the coin, and because she and her siblings are having the worst, most dreadfully boring summer ever, she idly wishes something exciting would happen. And something does: Her wish is granted. Or not quite. Only half of her wish comes true. It turns out that the coin grants wishes -- but only by half, so that you must wish for twice as much as you want. Wishing for two times some things is a cinch, but other doubled wishes only cause twice as much trouble. What is half of twice a talking cat? Or to be half-again twice not-here? And how do you double your most heartfelt wish, the one you care about so much that it has to be perfect? Edward Eager's Half Magic has enchanted legions of readers for fifty years. This collectible, one-of-a-kind volume features the original art by N. M. Bodecker and a new introduction by award-winning author Jack Gantos, making it the definitive edition of this enduring classic.

I first picked up Half Magic by Edward Eager in third grade. And I haven't put it down since. When people ask me what book(s) started my love of all things fantasy, I point to Half Magic. Since then, I have read it countless times. Now as a Mommy, I'm enjoying reading it to my children. Amazingly, the story written, over 50 years ago, still stands the test of time.

If you love stories about siblings who are looking for distractions during a boring summer break and if you love stories about magic, be sure to pick up this book. The resulting math, as they have to wish for twice the amount of anything they desire, is hilarious. The people they encounter as they time travel, Sir Lancelot and Merlin, himself will leave you wanting to read more about those legends.

Snuggle up with the kids, pretend it's summer break and enjoy this classic story.

I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~