Do you believe in magic? In a magic key that will help grant wondrous wishes? While I am sometimes skeptical of things, I truly believe in the magic of words, of learning, of books! Opening a book is my magic key to making wishes come true, for myself and for others around me. What about you, dear reader? Do you believe in the magic key that is a book?
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Book (aka Magic Key) Reviews
“Books are a uniquely portable magic.”― Stephen King
My Key
Book Info
Title: My Key
Author and Illustrator: Amal
Length: 32 pages
Genre: Children’s Books about Libraries & Reading (5 – 11 years, and up)
Publisher: Clavis (November 2, 2021)
Source: Digital review copy from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy.
Description
When two ordinary objects land on a city sidewalk, a little girl’s dull day becomes an odyssey of new places and unusual faces. Led far away on a dragon boat, she makes use of her found objects to get past the locked library doors, where erudite elephants open her eyes to the beauty of books and faraway lands. Faced with fantastic animals and discoveries, has she found the secret to make dull days a thing of the past?
A magical book that celebrates libraries and the power of imagination. For brave explorers ages 5 years and up.
My Thoughts
I am not sure which aspect of the book I like better; the fascinating, detailed illustrations, or the concept of the book ( the magic key that books hold within them). While I found some parts of the narrative tough to follow, I also realized that it actually works well when we think about the theme of the story; and when we think about how thoughts jump from here to there sometimes. Also, the accompanying artwork adds so much to the storytelling that it helps the reader along, and you can enjoy it with and without the words.
It is a totally fantastical exploration of imagination; a tribute to libraries, books, and reading; a rollicking ride with twists and turns that turns out to be so very coolly fun! I love how those initial sepia colored illustrations shift to more colorful art as the girl discovers that “magic key!”
In Summary
This is a picture book that will awaken the story teller within, and one that shows how reading is the magic key to unlocking whole worlds!!
Get It Here
Amazon || Book Depository || Bookshop || Indiebound
I Wish Wish Wish For You
Book Info
Title: I Wish Wish Wish For You
Author: Sandra Magsamen
Illustrator: Melisa Fernandez Nitsche
Genre: Children’s Poetry/Stories in Verse (4 – 7 years, and up)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland (January 4, 2022)
Source: Digital Review Copy from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance reading copy.
Description
Share your infinite wishes with this heartwarming book of love! This inspirational and whimsical story captures all of the magical moments and wonders of everyday life, and is the perfect way to encourage a loved one of any age to live a rich, courageous life, reach for the stars, and follow their dreams. The perfect graduation gift, birthday gift for kids, or gift for any big milestone or special occasion!
My Thoughts
Another tugging-at-your-heartstrings book with the warmest, sweetest wishes one can have for loved ones; be it from a parent or a grandparent to a child, a friend to another friend, from children to their parents, well, just for anyone we love. Each wish filled page is bound to wrap your heart in a hug with the gentle, lyrical, tender wishes and the colorful, joyous, and soft illustrations.
This is a book for everyone and anyone for anytime and every time in their lives.
Sandra Magsamen’s heartfelt words offer cheer, happiness, hope, and so much more to the reader. Whether you are completely fine, or nervous about something; or maybe lonely and scared, or simply feeling low; whether you feel all alone and different, or want to do something more – this book shows you matter, and that you can make others feel they matter too. And this is regardless of who or how young or old you are – this book is sure to make you feel – more, better, and simply you!
Melisa Fernandez Nitsche’s artwork is oh-so-wonderfully diverse and inclusive that each and every one of us will be able to find ourselves in this book. And she does it so very beautifully too! I found myself going through the pages simply looking at the pictures with delight.
In Summary
A book that deserves a place in every home and every library. A perfect gift for all your loved ones, no matter their age!
Get It Here
Amazon || Book Depository || Bookshop || Indiebound
Linking these books to What are you Reading? From Picture Books to YA at Teach Mentor Texts.
Related Reads
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, have you read any of the featured books? Or any similar ones? I would love to hear your thoughts and recommendations. And as always, any and all comments on the post are welcome!!
I love the magic that books bring me every day. And, I love how picture books open up a whole new world to kids – giving them a love of books forever. Keep doing what you do!
I do believe in the magic of books, and I like that this book is introducing this concept to children.
I definitely agree—books really can unlock new worlds, ideas, and perspectives! And it seems like both of these books capture that quite well—My Key in particular seems quite intriguing. Thanks so much for the wonderful post, Vidya!
These are very nice recommendations.
Books allow us to share stories with others. Open a book and you open a door to a new world!
Books and the stories that they bring us are so magical.
These books all sound like magical choices to enjoy with children. I hadn’t heard of these before and they would be lovely to enjoy with younger kids.
I like the I wish wish wish for you. Magical stories are very exciting to read to chilidern.