Marvin and the Book of Magic
by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Aleksei Bitskoff
Interest age: 9 to 11
Reading age: 7+
Published by Barrington Stoke, 2024
About this book
Marvin has always wanted to be a magician, but when his performance on a TV talent show ends in disaster, he vows that he'll never perform magic again.
Every time Marvin looks at his unused magic set, he feels like a failure, so he takes it to Clive's Emporium intending to sell it. However, Clive persuades him to swap it for a 'magic' book instead. Marvin is astounded when he discovers that the book grants magic wishes, so he plans a spectacular comeback at the school talent show.
Marvin's exuberant best friend, Asha, also enters the show and devises an ambitious singing-dancing-painting act. Despite having very little talent in these areas, she more than makes up for her lack of skill with boundless enthusiasm.
The story is infused with some key messages, including the importance of perseverance, especially in the face of adversity, as well as the value of true friendship.
Specifically designed to appeal to dyslexic and reluctant readers, the book features short chapters to help build stamina and a dyslexia-friendly font to avoid confusing letter shapes. The superb black-and-white drawings contain a wealth of witty detail and are the perfect accompaniment to this hilarious, heartwarming tale.
About the author
More books like this
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Olly Brown, God of Hamsters
by Bethany Walker, illustrated by Jack Noel
9 to 14 years
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Bertie and the Alien Chicken
by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Alexsei Bitskoff
9 to 14 years
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Shrapnel Boys
by Jenny Pearson
9 to 14 years
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Operation Nativity
by Jenny Pearson, illustrated by Katie Kear
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Magical stories for 9- to 12-year-olds
These books are brilliant for older children who want to get lost in a magical journey. There are classics and new titles, picture books and chapter books and some books containing magic realism rather than traditional fantasy.