The Beginner's Guide to Being a Wizard

by Keith Negley

Attention, aspiring wizards! Grab your wands, capes, and geckos and dive into this hilarious and clever how-to guide by award-winning author-illustrator Keith Negley.

So you want to become a wizard? Excellent choice.

Magic, like everything in life, takes practice and patience. It's important to know that you will make mistakes. For example, you might accidentally turn your friends into fish, or yourself into a turnip. This is all normal. Remember, magic is more about wondering than knowing. Also explosions. 

This handbook covers everything from essential materials--a stick (not too pokey); a cloak (a towel works fine); a hiding place; and snacks--to spell casting, duels, and did we mention snacks? 

In turns hilarious and thoughtful, this how-to guide sparkles with just as much wisdom as it does magic.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 25, 2026

About the author

Keith's work has appeared on book covers, children's books, t-shirts, album covers, posters, skateboard decks, and even a watch. He is a frequent contributor to The New York Times and New Yorker in addition to many other national publications. He received his BFA from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2000, and his MFA from The School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2013 and doesn’t regret the student debt one bit. He’s won 4 medals from the Society of Illustrators, a medal from the Society of Illustrators West, and 2 medals from the 3x3 International Illustration annual. His book Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) received a Kate Greenaway Medal nomination in 2016. Keith resides in the mountains of Bellingham Washington with his wife and two boys surrounded by giant spiders and teaches illustration at Western Washington University.