The 13th Is Magic

The 13th is Magic #1

by Joan Howard, Adrienne Adams (Illustrator)

Adventures of a brother and sister who live in a mysterious Manhattan apartment building.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade

169 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1950

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ronald and Gillian Saunders had a very happy life on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where life was "usually pleasant, and sometimes pleasantly unusual." The "unusual" was created by their magical cat Merlin, who introduced them to the astonishing (and hidden) thirteenth floor of their building, and who made sure that the thirteenth of every month included a magical adventure.

Ronnie and Jill had many astonishing experiences, from meeting Oscar, the mouse-proprietor of the "A Complete Line of Magic" stall, to their friendship with Mrs. Wallaby-Jones, a kangaroo-escapee from the Central Park Zoo. An unexpected blizzard that provides an opportunity for sledding in Central Park, a fortuitous fog that transforms the 125th Street Ferry into a trip through time, the purchase of a Genuine Swiss Superior Cuckoo Clock that allows Ronnie to slip inside and, with the help of miniature inventor Homer P. Maxurbanipul, gain his "mechanical aptitude" - anything could happen on the 13th!

The 13th is Magic was an enjoyable piece of fluff - the sort of episodic-magical-adventure-fantasy that was quite popular, before epic quest-fantasy came to dominate the genre. I loved Merlin, enjoyed many of the adventures, and agreed with Jacob (the elevator-man) that "Nobody ever owns a cat." I could have done without the unfortunate incident involving the 157 Indians who all looked alike and only knew how to say "Howgh," but other than that, this was a pleasant enough read.

[CLM · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Merlin the magic cat arrives at an ordinary New York apartment building, adventures begin for siblings Ronnie and Jill...

I love this book, and only wish I owned a copy. Why doesn't someone reprint it and the sequel?

Here is a link to my review from my recent reread:
https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! A magical cat, an appreciative mention of my favorite Marx Brother (Harpo), Mrs. Wallaby-Jones, and so many other wonderful elements. I can't believe I missed reading this as a child, but I love it now.

Now to see if I can find the sequel via ILL.

[Debby Dietrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a strong, pleasant memory of this book from my childhood. I recall checking it out from the bookmobile repeatedly, I enjoyed it so much. So, as an adult I decided to see if I could get a copy through Interlibrary Loan and was pleasantly surprised that I could. The book was published in 1950 and it reflects its era. Ronnie and Jill live in Manhattan and are allowed to go out unaccompanied by adults on errands throughout the city or to play in Central Park.....those were the days. Ronnie, as the boy, tends to take the lead in their adventures and rescues his sister in one. Women's lib is a few decades hence. But I can still feel the magic of a book with Merlin the cat showing the children to the hidden 13th floor of their apartment building where they encounter an engaging group of magical characters. And on the 13th of each month, Merlin arranges a special adventure for the Saunders children. I really enjoyed my brief journey down memory lane, courtesy of my library.

The story is set in Manhattan, but I wondered if the author, Joan Howard was British. She talks about hedgehogs being common in the countryside...yes in England, not to be found in New York. She refers to a mirror as a looking glass...a posh British term for the object. Tried to research this but found little biographical information on this author.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a terrific book! Although this book is no longer in print do yourself a favor and borrow it through interlibrary loan at your library. This book is about a brother and sister who, along with a magical black cat named Merlin who has adopted them, gain entry onto the 13th floor of their Manhattan apartment and the true magic begins.

While the setting for this book is in the 50's don't be concerned ... nothing in the story is diminished. If anything the setting manages to enhance the story and make it even more magical!

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I enjoyed it despite its datedness and the stereotypical portrayal of Native Americans in one chapter. I like the idea of something magical happening every 13th of the month. And, of course, with a cat instigating all the magic, what could be better?

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This will keep your attention!

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This has a feel of Mary Poppins - two urban children have a different magical adventure in each chapter, aided by a magical friend - but instead of an English nanny, these New York children have a black cat named Merlin. Published in 1950, the stories have a lot of charm, despite a good dose of sexism and a regrettable chapter in which some "red indians" come to life.

[Bev Koski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book holds a wonderful story. I was about ten when I borrowed it from the library and was glued to it starting from page one.
Joan Howard was an excellent writer and, from the reviews I've read, she enchanted her readers.
During my childhood years, this was the best book I had ever read.
I wish that every child could read this book--it rightfully belongs to all young minds.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

For the most part, charming, but one chapter in which 150 or so Indian Head pennies come to life as Indians of a most stereotypical kind was pretty offensive. Without that chapter I'd have given it four stars.