Julio's Magic

by Arthur Dorros, Ann Grifalconi (Illustrator)

Julio and his friend, master carver Iluminado, find their ideas in the forest, where dragons, lizards, and angels hide in the wood of every twisted branch. At home, Julio can't wait to make sculptures for the annual wood-carving contest. But Iluminado, whose eyesight is failing him, is too humble to enter. When Julio opens his heart to help his friend, he learns that winning is not nearly as important as giving. Both the author and illustrator of Julio's Magic have traveled extensively in Mexico. Now they have translated the deep admiration they feel for the Mexican artisans they've met into a truly magical book which reminds us that inspiration, creativity, and friendship can be found everywhere.

Genres: Cultural, Picture Books, Childrens, Art

32 pages, Hardcover

First published December 28, 2004

Reviews

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate the look into a culture completely different from mine, but the actual text was lengthy and didn't hold my attention. I can't imagine elementary students enjoying this as a read aloud.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book had beautiful illustrations, and diversity. The boy is from Mexico and they use cultural valeus to show diversity. There is art elements and can be used to teach about the country or art.

[Julia Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Julio, a boy from a poor community in Oxaca, Mexico, has a talent for woodcarving. He is apprenticed to an old, skillful woodcarver who teaches him to listen to the secrets of wood. This tale follows Julio as the people of the town prepare for a woodcarving competition that pays out more than any of them could earn in a year of farming. What will happen?

This book is well-written and beautifully done. I would love to tie it in with lessons during Cinco de Mayo or Hispanic Heritage Month, because many don't know about the gorgeous arts and crafts that come from Mexico. The pages are colorful and the art is enjoyable, as well. I could see pairing this with art projects related to Oxacan craftwork.

[Salsabrarian]

A tribute to Oaxacan artisans in Mexico. In his farming village, young Julio enjoys making wood carvings of animals. This year he plans to enter the big wood-carving contest in the big city and hopefully win a cash prize. His mentor is Illuminado, an elderly gentleman who has never entered the contest even though everyone believes his carvings are good enough to win. His carving has slowed but his objects are still quality. Julio encourages him to enter and reluctantly he does. Julio assists with painting the carvings, while also working on his own. Illuminado is declared the winner. Back home, Julio pulls out his box of carvings, none of which he entered so his friend would have a better chance of winning. Next year, he tells himself.

[Lana Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is dedicated to Oaxacan Artisans who craft the earth's magic with wood. Julio is a young boy from Mexico, who learns the art of wood carving from an elder craftsman. Julio serves as a source of inspiration for his humble mentor, and helps him to win the local contest. The mentor carver inspires the boy's craft and desire to enter the following year. Money from the winnings are enough to offset the drought threatening their harvest. Spanish words, to be read in context, are effortlessly weaved through the text. Reading this book aloud will transport listeners to this small community village in the heart of Mexico.

[Michaela Zavala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a bit of a more advanced read. I really enjoyed the story. It not only has a cute story line but also has beautiful pictures. They aren't just regular drawings but more of pieces of pictures cut out and laid on top of each other, creating a 3D effect. Julio's Magic is a cute book that has a good story about a lot of imagination and skill. He creates wooden figurines and doesn't want to enter a contest even though many say he is the best at what he does. It shows kids that they should always follow their heart and passions and that they should do what makes them happy.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story of a young boy names Julio his village in Mexico. Julio has a talent for beautiful woodcarvings, and works with his mentor Iluminado to practice for a woodcarving contest in a larger town. Everyone wants thinks that Julio has a chance to win the contest, but Julio is more concerned with his mentor and his lack of money and resources.

This book shows a lot of heart from a boy who at a young age has the ability to see the needs of others above his own desires.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this book is really great because it shows part of the Mexican culture, and part of universal human desire to improve themselves. The vocabulary teaches on my new amount of Spanish language. As this book is good for boys , The Skirt by Gary Soto is good for girls of the same age/ reading level bracket and subject.

[Kristin Sprague · Rating 4 out of 5]

What kind of magic can he do?

[Am.Aversa]

In this book, a young boy in a Mexican Village is learning the craft of wood carving. He convinces his mentor, the best wood carver in the village, to enter a carving contest. After winning, the mentor has enough money to survive since his crops were destroyed by the drought.
Genre: Historical Fiction