The Magic Book Hardcover – September 1, 2003

Another one of my favorite books by Marcus Pfister. It is a North-South book, translated into English by Marianne Martens. It is a North-South book, printed in China (2003). Dimensions are 11 1/2" H x 6 1/2" W.This unique book is about a young magician who is mastering the dragon conjuring spell. Readers can work magic along with Eve, conjuring unusual creatures until they find the dragon spell to eventually create the fire-breathing dragon. Pages can be manipulated by closing and opening the book, thus creating a never-ending circle of magic. Very entertaining. It definitely took some practice prior to reading it to my daughter.For those who are new to Marcus Pfister's works and have enjoyed this book, you might want to give  Milo and the Magical Stones  and the sequel  Milo and the Mysterious Island  a try. It is a story about a tribal cliff mouse and a magical stone - the pages are split horizontally into two sections, offering two alternate endings - a "happy" and a "sad" ending. These books have watercolor illustrations with gold foil stampings on the magical stones.Other books worth mentioning are  Dazzle the Dinosaur . The iridescent foil stamping on Dazzle's sparkling spines is what makes the watercolor illustrations, particularly the story itself very charming. The names of the dinosaur's genus's throughout the book, such as Maiasaurus, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Apatosaurus/Brontosaurus, etc. are indeed all very relevant and educational for children as well. Not to forget, there is also an imaginary dinosaur named 'Dragonsaurus' that is part of the story.

I have been reading this book to my son since he was 2. He is now 8 and still finds this book fun. I know that it will be his favorite when he is older and the memories that we have created with this book will never be forgotten.I have given this book to all my nieces and nephews, friends and to several children as a birthday gift. Everyone loves its!! Hearing a child asked to be read it again and again makes it that much more special! Watching their expressions as they discover the story and create a dragon is priceless!Highly Recommend!

Marcus Pfister has created a book that is truly magical. We'd bought one for our daughter years ago when she was small and it was definitely a favorite to go through together. Now I get copies whenever a friend or relative's child gets to the right age. The concept is masterful and adults, as well as children, will be impressed and marvel as the story unfolds magically.

Cute story idea but too difficult to handle two sided reading, The side got ripped tight away becsuse of confusion on flipping pages ;(