The Imagination Can Take Us Anywhere

The Magician’s Secret is a departure from Zach Hyman’s earlier work.  His previous two children’s books are sports tales, whereas this new picture book has nothing to do with sports.  The Magician’s Secret borrows from many of the greatest adventure stories you can think but melds them into an exciting new story about a young boy and his Grandpa.   Charlie loves staying with his Grandpa.  His favourite time is when they go up to the attic to the Magic Story Chest.  Every story starts with a special item removed from the Chest.

Some of the best stories start with a teller.  We have all experienced being told a story, one without pictures.  It forces you to use your imagination, to picture what is happening.  Being witness to a storytelling is a very powerful and moving experience so it’s no wonder it’s Charlie’s favourite time.  I can remember my uncle, a fantastic storyteller, extolling us with the adventures of The Big Black Fly.  Some of my fondest memories from childhood are of those quiet moments.
A great intergenerational story is a really powerful thing.  It serves as a reminder that our elders have some pretty amazing stories to tell.  They grew up in very different times than we and have so much perspective and some really great stories to tell.

Joe Bluhm’s art in this book is spectacular and seems drawn right from an animated movie.  His art has such incredible detail and movement; you can almost see the pictures moving across the page.  The vivid pictures will captivate and the story will keep you coming back time and time again to this wonderful picture book.