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The Magician's Daughter
'This heartwarming, witty and touching story is all about hope and belief . . . An absolute delight.' – Daily Mail
Discover the power of true magic in this funny, exciting, big-hearted story by Caryl Lewis, the award-winning author of Seed and The Magician's Daughter. Perfect for boys and girls of 8 to 12. Illustrated throughout by George Ermos.
After one hilarious, disastrous magic show too many, Abby’s dad decides it’s time to give up showbiz. Until the day Abby finds a mysterious, dusty old book of spells among her mum's things. Mum had always been the dazzling magician, after all. As Abby practises, each new spell brings wonder and joy, not only to Abby and her dad, but also to the whole community.
Nothing lasts forever, though, and after each public performance another spell vanishes from the book. So before the magic disappears forever, Abby and Dad plan one final, spectacular, impossible show . . .
Praise for Caryl Lewis's debut
'Some books are about magic. Some books ARE magic' - Frank Cottrell-Boyce
'A near-perfect blend of witty humour, rollicking adventure [and] compelling characters.' – Daily Mail
Shortlisted for Breakthrough Children's Book of the Year, The Week Junior Book Awards
Shortlisted for the Brandford Boase Award 2023
Discover the power of true magic in this funny, exciting, big-hearted story by Caryl Lewis, the award-winning author of Seed and The Magician's Daughter. Perfect for boys and girls of 8 to 12. Illustrated throughout by George Ermos.
After one hilarious, disastrous magic show too many, Abby’s dad decides it’s time to give up showbiz. Until the day Abby finds a mysterious, dusty old book of spells among her mum's things. Mum had always been the dazzling magician, after all. As Abby practises, each new spell brings wonder and joy, not only to Abby and her dad, but also to the whole community.
Nothing lasts forever, though, and after each public performance another spell vanishes from the book. So before the magic disappears forever, Abby and Dad plan one final, spectacular, impossible show . . .
Praise for Caryl Lewis's debut
'Some books are about magic. Some books ARE magic' - Frank Cottrell-Boyce
'A near-perfect blend of witty humour, rollicking adventure [and] compelling characters.' – Daily Mail
Shortlisted for Breakthrough Children's Book of the Year, The Week Junior Book Awards
Shortlisted for the Brandford Boase Award 2023
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 15, 2023
1 person is currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Caryl Lewis
62 books54 followersCaryl Lewis is an award winning Welsh language novelist. She was raised in Aberaeron before moving at the age of twelve to her family's farm in the parish of Dihewyd. She is an alumnus of Durham University and University of Wales Aberystwyth. Her first novel, Dal hi!, was published in 2003.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 16, 2025
I received a gifted copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via the publishers.
The Magicians Daughter is a heartwarming and uplifting, feel-good read for middle graders.
Abby and her dad have been struggling to get by ever since her mother passed away. After a disastrous magic show performance, her dad feels its finaly time to hang up his tip hat and wand and get a normal, regular job. But magic has been a huge part of both their lives and was a huge part of her mother's too. When Abby discovers a magical spellbook that creates real magic (which disappears once used) she convinces her father to do three final shows and go out with a bang. With the help of some residents at his new job at a care home, the community and spirit of all onboard to make these shows a success, this book really melts your heart. I loved how everyone pulled together and how Abby and her best friend dealt with some other topics with maturity and supported one another no matter what.
The Magicians Daughter is a heartwarming and uplifting, feel-good read for middle graders.
Abby and her dad have been struggling to get by ever since her mother passed away. After a disastrous magic show performance, her dad feels its finaly time to hang up his tip hat and wand and get a normal, regular job. But magic has been a huge part of both their lives and was a huge part of her mother's too. When Abby discovers a magical spellbook that creates real magic (which disappears once used) she convinces her father to do three final shows and go out with a bang. With the help of some residents at his new job at a care home, the community and spirit of all onboard to make these shows a success, this book really melts your heart. I loved how everyone pulled together and how Abby and her best friend dealt with some other topics with maturity and supported one another no matter what.
April 26, 2025
Jeju, cudowne to było ♥
May 16, 2023
A beautiful feel good magical story. Daryl Lewis makes a magnificent story come alive. We think this will be a family classic. A great cast of diverse characters.
March 29, 2024
Przepiękna historia, w której magia pokazuje, jak piękne jest życie!
August 12, 2023
“Didn’t Mum used to say that growing up was a trap?”
“You’re right, and she escaped it…”
Abby’s mum is dead. She and her dad are living in a converted van, struggling on in the face of having to give up his dream: magic.
There’s so much love and hope and humour running through this story, but it doesn’t shy away from the grim realities. For Abby, and for Myra, change is hard. At twelve years old, they’re shouldering adult realisations about budgeting and their futures. They’re dealing with local bullies and their changing selves. But they’re also finding the courage to embrace their dreams.
This lovingly illustrated story hits all the right notes, told in an easy, light-hearted and engaging prose: journey with Abby as, with the help of just a little magic, she realises what’s most precious of all…
This might be aimed at middle grade but even as an adult it was a lovely read. Lewis’ narrative tone is spot on and the family Abby finds will enchant you.
“You’re right, and she escaped it…”
Abby’s mum is dead. She and her dad are living in a converted van, struggling on in the face of having to give up his dream: magic.
There’s so much love and hope and humour running through this story, but it doesn’t shy away from the grim realities. For Abby, and for Myra, change is hard. At twelve years old, they’re shouldering adult realisations about budgeting and their futures. They’re dealing with local bullies and their changing selves. But they’re also finding the courage to embrace their dreams.
This lovingly illustrated story hits all the right notes, told in an easy, light-hearted and engaging prose: journey with Abby as, with the help of just a little magic, she realises what’s most precious of all…
This might be aimed at middle grade but even as an adult it was a lovely read. Lewis’ narrative tone is spot on and the family Abby finds will enchant you.
May 29, 2023
Gosh, this is absolutely wonderful. Family, magic, finding the joy in the present, community, belief. A gorgeous story of a young girl and her magician dad who come across something magical… and it changes not only their lives but the lives around them! I loved that there were people following their passions, people breaking stereotypes and people doing what made them happy. There were LOADS of moments in this that made me tear up. I wanna just give this book and it’s characters a hug. Properly lovely.
July 22, 2023
After 'Seed' proved to be just the wondrous debut, things were always looking up for this book – if not for its characters. At first we see our heroine, Abby, witness what looks like the end of her father's magician career, in a mishmash of fire sprinklers and pigeon poo. He's thinking of selling up a lot of what is stored alongside their mobile van home, and getting a different career, leaving Abby's status as seen in the title under threat. But we also get to see glimpses of Myra, Abby's best friend, and how her family is potentially on what they call a sticky wicket. So what might be saved, rescued and remedied, if anything, by Abby finding her legacy contains something that is really real magic?
Last time this author seemed to be concentrating on woke representation, but with a brilliant story and superlative telling still pulled it off to make one of the books of the year. This time she tackles what I am finding a more and more hackneyed genre, the "girl finds a wondrous destiny she didn't know existed" trope – and she still knocks it out of the park. It does feel a bit awkward to jump into Myra's intimate world now and then, but the book (as did 'Seed') can handle multiple issues and perspectives. And it's certainly not just about Abby. Whereas girls saving a magic kingdom of unicorns or whatever are ten a penny, this is a much more humble affair, where the family career is maintained, old folks in a home gain ten years, and a humdrum running-down coastal town gets a fillup.
None of that, clearly, is a concern of one of your routine MG books. But while the 'let's put the show on here, and always leave the costumes to the night before!' shtick feels a bit old-school Children's Cinema Time, or whatever it was called, I can't see you begrudging that. Until, at least, the bludgeoning crunch of when it all turns bad, which does come across quite oddly as amateur hour. Before then, we have a book doing the unexpected – bringing real magic into a magic act and yet almost trying to downplay the fantastical and give us something more recognisable. 'Seed' was better, but this is definitely not to be dismissed.
Last time this author seemed to be concentrating on woke representation, but with a brilliant story and superlative telling still pulled it off to make one of the books of the year. This time she tackles what I am finding a more and more hackneyed genre, the "girl finds a wondrous destiny she didn't know existed" trope – and she still knocks it out of the park. It does feel a bit awkward to jump into Myra's intimate world now and then, but the book (as did 'Seed') can handle multiple issues and perspectives. And it's certainly not just about Abby. Whereas girls saving a magic kingdom of unicorns or whatever are ten a penny, this is a much more humble affair, where the family career is maintained, old folks in a home gain ten years, and a humdrum running-down coastal town gets a fillup.
None of that, clearly, is a concern of one of your routine MG books. But while the 'let's put the show on here, and always leave the costumes to the night before!' shtick feels a bit old-school Children's Cinema Time, or whatever it was called, I can't see you begrudging that. Until, at least, the bludgeoning crunch of when it all turns bad, which does come across quite oddly as amateur hour. Before then, we have a book doing the unexpected – bringing real magic into a magic act and yet almost trying to downplay the fantastical and give us something more recognisable. 'Seed' was better, but this is definitely not to be dismissed.
August 6, 2023
Absolutely charming little story. Heart-warming, soulful, tender, beautifully and sensitively touches on some tough subjects too. Kids and parents will love it.
Filled me to the brim with hope. A piece of real magic!
Filled me to the brim with hope. A piece of real magic!
February 10, 2024
I actually love love LOVE this book it is so hear warming and I especially loved the act of the second show Abby and her dad did I could feel the audiences excitement and the tension in the air it was magicalll
June 19, 2023
Well that was amazing!! Some lovely moments all mixed with a little bit of magic!
June 22, 2023
Such a great read. It is very well written. I found this book addictive, filled with diversity in the best way. It also encourages you not to let go of your dreams, no matter what
August 3, 2023
How can she practice if her spells were limited?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2025
It was full of clichés and empty slogans.
April 14, 2025
What a charming book!
I love how it had a father and daughter relationship centre-stage while also having the loss of a mother be a prominent role. I just love the story in general
I love how it had a father and daughter relationship centre-stage while also having the loss of a mother be a prominent role. I just love the story in general
January 3, 2025
I know that I believe in magic, the real type that is around us each and every day that we all create and the magic of the fairytale. Where would we be without magic in our lives? Luckily for us Caryl Lewis is a believer too and has shared with us one of her spellbinding, magical stories. Children will love it. It will serve to remind them that magic still exists in the world, perhaps if you haven’t found it yet you just need to look more closely. It will also encourage children to love reading for it is a story which feels like a comforting warm hug in the form of a book. It is incredibly readable, accessible and a remarkably believable story given its subject matter, but we all love magic don’t we…
Abby’s dad works in showbiz, a difficult industry at the best of times, therefore it is after yet one more disastrous magic show that he decides he is going to give it all up. Abby’s mum was part of the act too, she was the dazzling magician. But mum has gone now, and nothing feels the same without her for Abby or her dad. When Abby uncovers her mum’s dusty old book, a book that is at first blank and then starts to fill with shapes and sizes, and has apparently caused her pet rabbit to float, she and her dad decide to put on a show for some care home residents. For Abby and her dad this is just the beginning of something new, for magic to return to their lives in ways they never expected and to spill out into their community too.
Merged review:
I know that I believe in magic, the real type that is around us each and every day that we all create and the magic of the fairytale. Where would we be without magic in our lives? Luckily for us Caryl Lewis is a believer too and has shared with us one of her spellbinding, magical stories. Children will love it. It will serve to remind them that magic still exists in the world, perhaps if you haven’t found it yet you just need to look more closely. It will also encourage children to love reading for it is a story which feels like a comforting warm hug in the form of a book. It is incredibly readable, accessible and a remarkably believable story given its subject matter, but we all love magic don’t we…
Abby’s dad works in showbiz, a difficult industry at the best of times, therefore it is after yet one more disastrous magic show that he decides he is going to give it all up. Abby’s mum was part of the act too, she was the dazzling magician. But mum has gone now, and nothing feels the same without her for Abby or her dad. When Abby uncovers her mum’s dusty old book, a book that is at first blank and then starts to fill with shapes and sizes, and has apparently caused her pet rabbit to float, she and her dad decide to put on a show for some care home residents. For Abby and her dad this is just the beginning of something new, for magic to return to their lives in ways they never expected and to spill out into their community too.
Abby’s dad works in showbiz, a difficult industry at the best of times, therefore it is after yet one more disastrous magic show that he decides he is going to give it all up. Abby’s mum was part of the act too, she was the dazzling magician. But mum has gone now, and nothing feels the same without her for Abby or her dad. When Abby uncovers her mum’s dusty old book, a book that is at first blank and then starts to fill with shapes and sizes, and has apparently caused her pet rabbit to float, she and her dad decide to put on a show for some care home residents. For Abby and her dad this is just the beginning of something new, for magic to return to their lives in ways they never expected and to spill out into their community too.
Merged review:
I know that I believe in magic, the real type that is around us each and every day that we all create and the magic of the fairytale. Where would we be without magic in our lives? Luckily for us Caryl Lewis is a believer too and has shared with us one of her spellbinding, magical stories. Children will love it. It will serve to remind them that magic still exists in the world, perhaps if you haven’t found it yet you just need to look more closely. It will also encourage children to love reading for it is a story which feels like a comforting warm hug in the form of a book. It is incredibly readable, accessible and a remarkably believable story given its subject matter, but we all love magic don’t we…
Abby’s dad works in showbiz, a difficult industry at the best of times, therefore it is after yet one more disastrous magic show that he decides he is going to give it all up. Abby’s mum was part of the act too, she was the dazzling magician. But mum has gone now, and nothing feels the same without her for Abby or her dad. When Abby uncovers her mum’s dusty old book, a book that is at first blank and then starts to fill with shapes and sizes, and has apparently caused her pet rabbit to float, she and her dad decide to put on a show for some care home residents. For Abby and her dad this is just the beginning of something new, for magic to return to their lives in ways they never expected and to spill out into their community too.
June 25, 2023
I know that I believe in magic, the real type that is around us each and every day that we all create and the magic of the fairytale. Where would we be without magic in our lives? Luckily for us Caryl Lewis is a believer too and has shared with us one of her spellbinding, magical stories. Children will love it. It will serve to remind them that magic still exists in the world, perhaps if you haven’t found it yet you just need to look more closely. It will also encourage children to love reading for it is a story which feels like a comforting warm hug in the form of a book. It is incredibly readable, accessible and a remarkably believable story given its subject matter, but we all love magic don’t we…
Abby’s dad works in showbiz, a difficult industry at the best of times, therefore it is after yet one more disastrous magic show that he decides he is going to give it all up. Abby’s mum was part of the act too, she was the dazzling magician. But mum has gone now, and nothing feels the same without her for Abby or her dad. When Abby uncovers her mum’s dusty old book, a book that is at first blank and then starts to fill with shapes and sizes, and has apparently caused her pet rabbit to float, she and her dad decide to put on a show for some care home residents. For Abby and her dad this is just the beginning of something new, for magic to return to their lives in ways they never expected and to spill out into their community too.
Abby’s dad works in showbiz, a difficult industry at the best of times, therefore it is after yet one more disastrous magic show that he decides he is going to give it all up. Abby’s mum was part of the act too, she was the dazzling magician. But mum has gone now, and nothing feels the same without her for Abby or her dad. When Abby uncovers her mum’s dusty old book, a book that is at first blank and then starts to fill with shapes and sizes, and has apparently caused her pet rabbit to float, she and her dad decide to put on a show for some care home residents. For Abby and her dad this is just the beginning of something new, for magic to return to their lives in ways they never expected and to spill out into their community too.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews