The Kids' Guide to Magic Tricks (Edge Books)

Steve Charney is a magician, musician, ventriloquist, radio personality, songwriter, childrens author and all-around nut. He has performed his stage act around the world with his dummy, Harry, for more than 25 years.

The Kids’ Guides series offers fully illustrated introductory books on a broad variety of topics. The many colorful photos, often smaller than two-inch squares, show young people demonstrating the activities described in the text. Charney, a professional magician, opens Magic Tricks with three simple rules and 17 easy-to-find props for novice performers. He presents 10 magic tricks by breaking each one down into smaller steps of preparation and performance. In the photos, a boy or girl demonstrates each numbered step. Charney’s detailed instructions and tips help ensure that, with plenty of practice, young magicians can baffle their audiences. These slender titles present topics in a brief, practical manner that readers may find helpful. Grades 4-6, --Carolyn Phelan