Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Anton Can Do Magic
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Gecko Press, 2011 ISBN: 978-1877467370
Anton is a little boy and he has a magic hat. Actually it is a magic turban, but as far as Anton is concerned it is a hat.
One day Anton decides to do some magic. He tries to make a tree disappear, but his spell does not work. Deciding that perhaps he was being overambitious, Anton decides to make a bird disappear. As he is casting his spell, Anton’s hat slips over his eyes, and when he repositions it, he discovers that miracle of miracles, his disappearing spell has worked!
Anton’s friend Luke walks up, and Anton tells him that he can make things disappear. Not surprisingly, Luke does not believe Anton, so Anton does his magic, his hat slips down over his eyes, and when he lifts it back into place Luke is gone. At first Anton is thrilled. Then he realizes that “Luke shouldn’t disappear.” How is Anton going to bring his friend back?
In this delightful book, the author combines minimal art with an engaging story to give children a memorable bookish experience that will delight and amuse them. Readers will love the way in which circumstances make it appear that Anton is able to do magic, and how, in the end, everything works out.
