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Hocus Pocus Practice Focus
A rhythmic, rhyming must-read for the child who loves magic! When a magician amazes Mila at her birthday party, she wants to become a magician just like her!
The magician makes it look so easy, but magic is trickier than Mila thought! Just when Mila’s dream feels like it might disappear, she discovers the magic secret in an unexpected place … and person.
"Hocus Pocus Practice Focus" is an inspiring, rhyming read-aloud that reveals a magician’s greatest secret — real magic happens when you prepare, practice, and persist!
Magicians work hard, just like dancers and singers. They don’t become great just by snapping their fingers!
The magician makes it look so easy, but magic is trickier than Mila thought! Just when Mila’s dream feels like it might disappear, she discovers the magic secret in an unexpected place … and person.
"Hocus Pocus Practice Focus" is an inspiring, rhyming read-aloud that reveals a magician’s greatest secret — real magic happens when you prepare, practice, and persist!
Magicians work hard, just like dancers and singers. They don’t become great just by snapping their fingers!
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
4 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Amy Kimlat
1 book5 followersAmy Kimlat is a former kid magician and author of "Hocus Pocus Practice Focus: The Making of a Magician." Amy lives in magical Orlando, Florida, with her two daughters, Estelle and Adelaide, and her husband, Kostya, a professional magician.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
October 10, 2022
A cute children’s storybook focussing on an unusual hobby – magic!
When a woman magician who goes by ‘Greta the Great’ astounds Mila at her birthday party, Mila decides that she too wants to be a magician. After all, how hard can it be? Mila soon realisis that while the tricks seemed easy, they are absolutely difficult to replicate. Justas she is about to give up hope, a special person reenters her life. You know who it is!
I read the whole content with a big grin on my face throughout. There are so many things to love about this adorable story. It focusses on a career/hobby that rarely gets attention. It has a loveable protagonist who learns from her mistakes and isn’t afraid to try and try again. It emphasises the value of the 3 Ps – passion, perseverance and practice: all crucial ingredients for success in any field.
The story is written in rhyming prose. The rhymes are very simplistic but they do work well for the story. The vocabulary level is also apt for the target age group of 3-8 years.
I enjoyed the foreword by renowned magician David Copperfield foreword. He rightly says, “We see examples of strong magical women throughout our literary history - from snow queens to fairy godmothers. So why has magic, as a professional field, been so dominated by men?”
There are some simple magic tricks listed out at the end –the perfect bonus content for this story.
The illustrations are adorable. Coloured in vibrant pastels, each sketch depicts the action on the page beautifully.
I hope that this beautiful book inspires more little girls to consider magic as a possible option for them. It is the perfect combination of learning and fun. A stellar debut by an indie author who has transposed her own experience as a former kid magician excellently into this story.
4.5 stars.
My thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the DRC of “Hocus Pocus Practice Focus: The Making of a Magician”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
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Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
When a woman magician who goes by ‘Greta the Great’ astounds Mila at her birthday party, Mila decides that she too wants to be a magician. After all, how hard can it be? Mila soon realisis that while the tricks seemed easy, they are absolutely difficult to replicate. Justas she is about to give up hope, a special person reenters her life. You know who it is!
I read the whole content with a big grin on my face throughout. There are so many things to love about this adorable story. It focusses on a career/hobby that rarely gets attention. It has a loveable protagonist who learns from her mistakes and isn’t afraid to try and try again. It emphasises the value of the 3 Ps – passion, perseverance and practice: all crucial ingredients for success in any field.
The story is written in rhyming prose. The rhymes are very simplistic but they do work well for the story. The vocabulary level is also apt for the target age group of 3-8 years.
I enjoyed the foreword by renowned magician David Copperfield foreword. He rightly says, “We see examples of strong magical women throughout our literary history - from snow queens to fairy godmothers. So why has magic, as a professional field, been so dominated by men?”
There are some simple magic tricks listed out at the end –the perfect bonus content for this story.
The illustrations are adorable. Coloured in vibrant pastels, each sketch depicts the action on the page beautifully.
I hope that this beautiful book inspires more little girls to consider magic as a possible option for them. It is the perfect combination of learning and fun. A stellar debut by an indie author who has transposed her own experience as a former kid magician excellently into this story.
4.5 stars.
My thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the DRC of “Hocus Pocus Practice Focus: The Making of a Magician”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
October 13, 2022
This is such a wonderful book for kids who love magic. The foreword by David Copperfield, a famous Magician, sets the tone for the rest of the book. The author’s note at the end solidifies the intent. The book is aimed at girls who want to become magicians. Of course, boys can read it too, but the focus is on girls (the foreword explains why).
The illustrations are a delight! The detailing of a family home, a child’s messy bedroom, diverse characters, and the color scheme make the book lively and attractive. I love Greta the Great’s representation.
The content comes in rhymed verses. I did find a couple of them odd in the beginning. Once I got into the story, I didn’t even think of rhymes. The book shows what you need to become a magician- passion, patience, and practice.
There’s a small magic trick at the end (along with tips) for young readers to try. There’s a note for parents too. After all, kids look to adults for support and encouragement to achieve their dreams.
To summarize, Hocus Pocus Practice Focus is for kids and adults who want to enter the world of magic. I haven’t read any children’s book on this topic, and this one felt like it hit the right notes from start to finish.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The illustrations are a delight! The detailing of a family home, a child’s messy bedroom, diverse characters, and the color scheme make the book lively and attractive. I love Greta the Great’s representation.
The content comes in rhymed verses. I did find a couple of them odd in the beginning. Once I got into the story, I didn’t even think of rhymes. The book shows what you need to become a magician- passion, patience, and practice.
There’s a small magic trick at the end (along with tips) for young readers to try. There’s a note for parents too. After all, kids look to adults for support and encouragement to achieve their dreams.
To summarize, Hocus Pocus Practice Focus is for kids and adults who want to enter the world of magic. I haven’t read any children’s book on this topic, and this one felt like it hit the right notes from start to finish.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 18, 2022
A fabulous book, ideal for teaching young children the value of practice and hard work, but it does so in a non preachy, fun, engaging way. I like the fact that Mila had a series of disasters before she succeeded. Of course the book is about being a stage magician but the lesson is transferable to any activity. I loved the rhyme, and the illustrations are great. Thoroughly recommended for the right age group.
September 28, 2022
This is such a cute book!! My 4.5 year old absolutely loved seeing a girl main character as she practiced and learned the secrets and tricks of magic. I loved the rhymes and it flowed really well as we read it together. Highly recommend reading this one with kids!
September 14, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! The pictures were vibrant, the prose was witty and I loved the rhyming aspects. The story line chronicles the evolution of the main character Mila, and how through practice and dedication, she was able to achieve her goal. I also like the character of Greta and the great and how she helps Mila in her journey. This book is designed for a broad range of ages, from two to ten, and I feel that there are aspects of the story that any age group, including adults can appreciate regarding tenacity and dedication. A truly magnificent book highly recommended for public, preschool, and elementary school libraries and for your personal collection.
Laura S.
Laura S.
October 19, 2022
📕 REVIEW 📕
5/5 ⭐️
This book was SO cute! I read it to my 4 year old who immediately turned into a magician afterward. She was giggling thru the story and was very intrigued. It was a very unique take on perseverance and “practice for progress”. I will definitely be getting the physical copy for her bookshelf in October!
Out October 25, 2022.
Thank you to @netgalley and @booksgosocialgroup for the ARC in exchange for my review!
5/5 ⭐️
This book was SO cute! I read it to my 4 year old who immediately turned into a magician afterward. She was giggling thru the story and was very intrigued. It was a very unique take on perseverance and “practice for progress”. I will definitely be getting the physical copy for her bookshelf in October!
Out October 25, 2022.
Thank you to @netgalley and @booksgosocialgroup for the ARC in exchange for my review!
October 26, 2022
This new book, created for young children curious about Magic…especially young girls with an interest in Magic, is the first of its kind. Colorfully and beautifully illustrated, with the text in simple verse. Fun to read to yourself or out loud, the book clearly makes its point and delvers its message. If you’re the parent, friend, relative, neighbor, of a young girl this is a creative gift for any occasion!
Author Amy Kimlat and illustrator Srinidhi Srinivasan gently and entertainingly present important topics centered around self-worth, role-modeling, mentoring, confidence, hard work, possibilities and perseverance. Life lessons for young women who are inspired in exploring Magic… and parents who become motivated to guide their kids to success.
Women magicians are often unique in their approach to performing Magic. They have a different viewpoint, different objectives, develop different styles, and an intent and energy on stage that carries a different weight and impact. There is something innately affirmative (and magical) between the bonding of Magic and women performers. Like all of us… we need mentors and role models we can closely identify with. In this book magician/teacher Greta and Mila show how to build that successful bond.
The future of performance Magic is a gift from the young to the future world. I can envision a rainbow of young women of every background, learning the discipline and art of Magic and entertainment their contribution to their world. The world is a magical place, and with the help of books like “Hocus Pocus Practice Focus” there will be even more good magic and women performers to come.
The main characters Mila and Greta in this new children’s book touched more than one nerve in me. When I was young and wanted to be a magician, but didn’t know how, my teacher Mr. Drueth admitted he was a part-time magician, led me into the library to suggest books, and watched as I learned and practiced. Just like Mila I got my wish only after a lot of hard work.
Again, when very young, I joined a Jr. Magician’s Club. It was all boys… except for a shy girl named Janie. The magic shop owner’s wife helped Jainie to build an act, and we boys all cheered her on. Just like Mila she became a huge success, and went on to win many magic competitions.
As a professional performer, teacher, and mentor myself I recommend “Hocus Pocus Practice Focus” as a stepping store to a new hobby and perhaps lifelong interest in the Arts.
Author Amy Kimlat and illustrator Srinidhi Srinivasan gently and entertainingly present important topics centered around self-worth, role-modeling, mentoring, confidence, hard work, possibilities and perseverance. Life lessons for young women who are inspired in exploring Magic… and parents who become motivated to guide their kids to success.
Women magicians are often unique in their approach to performing Magic. They have a different viewpoint, different objectives, develop different styles, and an intent and energy on stage that carries a different weight and impact. There is something innately affirmative (and magical) between the bonding of Magic and women performers. Like all of us… we need mentors and role models we can closely identify with. In this book magician/teacher Greta and Mila show how to build that successful bond.
The future of performance Magic is a gift from the young to the future world. I can envision a rainbow of young women of every background, learning the discipline and art of Magic and entertainment their contribution to their world. The world is a magical place, and with the help of books like “Hocus Pocus Practice Focus” there will be even more good magic and women performers to come.
The main characters Mila and Greta in this new children’s book touched more than one nerve in me. When I was young and wanted to be a magician, but didn’t know how, my teacher Mr. Drueth admitted he was a part-time magician, led me into the library to suggest books, and watched as I learned and practiced. Just like Mila I got my wish only after a lot of hard work.
Again, when very young, I joined a Jr. Magician’s Club. It was all boys… except for a shy girl named Janie. The magic shop owner’s wife helped Jainie to build an act, and we boys all cheered her on. Just like Mila she became a huge success, and went on to win many magic competitions.
As a professional performer, teacher, and mentor myself I recommend “Hocus Pocus Practice Focus” as a stepping store to a new hobby and perhaps lifelong interest in the Arts.
October 20, 2022
A super cute children's book! Cute for kids who love magic!
I must mention how impressed I was with the foreword especially in a children's book aimed mostly at little girls but either gender could read obviously, I found it to be a strong and captivating message and I loved that it implied not just magician's being men and lacking women but it made the kids discuss lots of other jobs that they thought were exclusively for just men, so I really thought that was important!
I loved the emphasis of the 3p's - practice, persevere and passion especially important for children these days I think especially as they have so many ideas thrown at the them and lots of "role models" that can be seen already having it all without seeing any of the achievement that goes into it, it must give off an impression that everything is easy and well within reach, well no, not in this book and that's what I love about it! The eldest sure loved that she thought it would be easy but it actually isn't when you try something yourself for the first time. Realistic and encouraging!
I think the 3p's helped a lot for the kids as we recycled this when we did school work and also learning our bikes, like the story and they loved it and the message it told!
This book is good for children between 3-8 years old, the rhyming is something I love in a book! I don't know why, sense of rhythm I think, it just always goes in a children's book!
I loved the little tricks at the end! A bookshelf must in any household in my opinion.
With thanks to netgalley, the publishers and Amy Kimlat for this lovely arc in return for my review today!
I must mention how impressed I was with the foreword especially in a children's book aimed mostly at little girls but either gender could read obviously, I found it to be a strong and captivating message and I loved that it implied not just magician's being men and lacking women but it made the kids discuss lots of other jobs that they thought were exclusively for just men, so I really thought that was important!
I loved the emphasis of the 3p's - practice, persevere and passion especially important for children these days I think especially as they have so many ideas thrown at the them and lots of "role models" that can be seen already having it all without seeing any of the achievement that goes into it, it must give off an impression that everything is easy and well within reach, well no, not in this book and that's what I love about it! The eldest sure loved that she thought it would be easy but it actually isn't when you try something yourself for the first time. Realistic and encouraging!
I think the 3p's helped a lot for the kids as we recycled this when we did school work and also learning our bikes, like the story and they loved it and the message it told!
This book is good for children between 3-8 years old, the rhyming is something I love in a book! I don't know why, sense of rhythm I think, it just always goes in a children's book!
I loved the little tricks at the end! A bookshelf must in any household in my opinion.
With thanks to netgalley, the publishers and Amy Kimlat for this lovely arc in return for my review today!
October 27, 2022
I am a professional Mentalist and Magician and have taught children for over fifteen years.
Amy’s book has several great messages.
A major key to success (in general), and one major “secret“ to performing magic well, is hard work, practice, and some patience.
There is a small “twist“ in the book – without giving it away, one underlying message I took is that any job will take a lot of dedication to be good.
Traditionally considered “a man’s place,” there’s nothing wrong with women doing magic - and having mentors we can look up to is important (as well as having books like this available).
There is plenty of room for girls to like things traditionally considered “boy interests.” We need more women in the field, and Hocus Pocus Practice Focus is a book that might help influence younger generations to chase those dreams (but it will take dedication).
I enjoyed this book; I often buy multiple copies of books or games I love so I can lend them out to friends (without them taking my beloved copy - lol); I may do this with this book; and while it’s been out for only a few days as of this review, I’ve already recommended it to several parents of young kids.
Amy’s book has several great messages.
A major key to success (in general), and one major “secret“ to performing magic well, is hard work, practice, and some patience.
There is a small “twist“ in the book – without giving it away, one underlying message I took is that any job will take a lot of dedication to be good.
Traditionally considered “a man’s place,” there’s nothing wrong with women doing magic - and having mentors we can look up to is important (as well as having books like this available).
There is plenty of room for girls to like things traditionally considered “boy interests.” We need more women in the field, and Hocus Pocus Practice Focus is a book that might help influence younger generations to chase those dreams (but it will take dedication).
I enjoyed this book; I often buy multiple copies of books or games I love so I can lend them out to friends (without them taking my beloved copy - lol); I may do this with this book; and while it’s been out for only a few days as of this review, I’ve already recommended it to several parents of young kids.
October 22, 2022
Hocus Pocus Practice Focus is the story of young Mila who aspires to be a magician. She hits pitfalls, but finds that focus is the secret ingredient to success. This intentional book, complete with inclusive illustrations, gently teaches the importance of practice and perseverance. Magic has long been a male-dominated field, but Mila, with the support of caring mentors, shows girls everywhere that they can break barriers. This message is not only reserved for those interested in a career as a magician, but in any field! The author, Amy Kimlat, shares the “family business”, as seen through Meet the Kimlats at the end of the book. Complete with a foreword by none other than David Copperfield, and encouragement by famous magicians such as Penn AND Teller, aspiring magicians are emboldened to follow their dreams. The Try it Yourself Trick at the end of the story, followed by a link to another online “ask your grown-up” trick is an ingenious way to segue into real-life practice. I can’t wait to share this exciting book with my grandchildren!
October 27, 2022
Hocus Pocus Practice Focus: The Making of a Magician is an intriguing story designed for children who have an interest in magic. Children will enjoy in the story, illustrations and couple of magic tricks in the book, while parents will value the lessons of perseverance, learning and hard work to achieve a goal.
The artwork in the book is well done and inclusive with positive representation and the text flows well and is rhythmic that holds the reader’s attention. The book has resources placed in the illustrations if children would like to learn more about how to perform magic as well as a couple of simple tricks they can learn. The one critique I have is that the resources in the illustration are geared towards older children. I would have liked to one or two resources for younger kids. This critique does not affect the overall rating as the resources are not overtly stated.
I believe that this book is a lot of fun for kids and teaches important life lessons. It is a fun tale for children who like magic.
The artwork in the book is well done and inclusive with positive representation and the text flows well and is rhythmic that holds the reader’s attention. The book has resources placed in the illustrations if children would like to learn more about how to perform magic as well as a couple of simple tricks they can learn. The one critique I have is that the resources in the illustration are geared towards older children. I would have liked to one or two resources for younger kids. This critique does not affect the overall rating as the resources are not overtly stated.
I believe that this book is a lot of fun for kids and teaches important life lessons. It is a fun tale for children who like magic.
October 26, 2022
This beautifully illustrated and written book is destined to be a favorite among young readers. With a wonderful rhyme scheme, textured vocabulary and a cast of delightful and relatable characters this book has all the hallmarks of great children's literature. Its story is charming and teaches an important lesson about persistence, dedication, courage, and focus needed to learn and try something new. If a kid in your life is interested in becoming a magician, they NEED this book. This book can help inspire them to not only learn some magic (you can learn a trick or two in this book) but to embrace the learning process. Even if young readers don't want to be the next Greta The Great or Mila The Magnificent they learn that even though learning something new can be challenging, it's worth it. Messing up or failing is not something to be feared but is part of the learning process. This book will inspire young readers and magicians for years to come!
October 18, 2022
Highly recommended.
Amy Kimlat's first book for children draws on personal experience and wonderful research. This inspiring book for any young person interested in learning magic will find its lessons valuable, and as their knowledge of magic grows, they will find little easter eggs strewn throughout as a reward for sticking with the path required to achieve success. I am an educator, a magician, and a parent, and I am proud to have this book in my home, proud to share it with my students, and overjoyed to read it with my own child. The illustrations are filled with energy, color, and joy, and the verse is eloquent and playful. I look forward to finding more titles from this author in the near future. Echoing the famed magicians' assertions on the back cover, may this book help bring more young people who identify as girls into magic.
Amy Kimlat's first book for children draws on personal experience and wonderful research. This inspiring book for any young person interested in learning magic will find its lessons valuable, and as their knowledge of magic grows, they will find little easter eggs strewn throughout as a reward for sticking with the path required to achieve success. I am an educator, a magician, and a parent, and I am proud to have this book in my home, proud to share it with my students, and overjoyed to read it with my own child. The illustrations are filled with energy, color, and joy, and the verse is eloquent and playful. I look forward to finding more titles from this author in the near future. Echoing the famed magicians' assertions on the back cover, may this book help bring more young people who identify as girls into magic.
October 28, 2022
Aspirational is this book, where you’ll be able to guide kids on how a modern day magician becomes to be. How through practice, persistence, determination and focus on one’s goal will enable them to achieve those goals. It’s style and manner by the author is great for younger kids with colourful illustrations and rhyming; my 3 year old son loves the way the story is presented.
If I had a book like this when I started off learning magic back in the late 70’s would probably started me off even earlier. This is not a book focused on learning magic as in how tricks are done but the journey of how one should embark the passion on; and can be used for any dream, desire and goal. This I believe would be the strong point in how any parent will be able to use and in-still focus and passion into the little ones! Love it and hoping to see more of Mila’s adventures in future!
If I had a book like this when I started off learning magic back in the late 70’s would probably started me off even earlier. This is not a book focused on learning magic as in how tricks are done but the journey of how one should embark the passion on; and can be used for any dream, desire and goal. This I believe would be the strong point in how any parent will be able to use and in-still focus and passion into the little ones! Love it and hoping to see more of Mila’s adventures in future!
October 26, 2022
This delightful book is good in so many ways. The writing is simple, making it easy for children to read or listen to if read aloud by an adult.
Most importantly, it’s focus is to give incentive to young girls to become magicians, when magic is most commonly thought of as a male profession. This book helps break that barrier.
Magic in any young person’s life gives her so much more than the knowledge of how a trick works. It teaches confidence, ability to talk to adults, organization by learning a routine and much more. Girls can benefit from this hobby as much as boys and sets them up to be intelligent, productive adults. It’s about time a book was written to encourage girls into magic. Congratulations to the author.
Most importantly, it’s focus is to give incentive to young girls to become magicians, when magic is most commonly thought of as a male profession. This book helps break that barrier.
Magic in any young person’s life gives her so much more than the knowledge of how a trick works. It teaches confidence, ability to talk to adults, organization by learning a routine and much more. Girls can benefit from this hobby as much as boys and sets them up to be intelligent, productive adults. It’s about time a book was written to encourage girls into magic. Congratulations to the author.
October 27, 2022
Hocus Pocus Practice Focus gives the main character, Mila the mindset that she can over come her fears while learning to become a successful magician.
Mila also had a mentor, Greta the Great who encouraged Mila to practice, and stay focused.
Her parents were her audience and throughout the story they supported Mila which gave her the confidence to continue to learn her magic tricks.
David Copperfield wrote a message in the beginning of the book where he captured the lesson from this story.
He calls them the three Ps of Success.
Amy Kimlat captured those three Ps in her story. They are well written life lessons.
I hope all parents will encourage their children to believe they can grow up to be a magician too.
I can't wait to see what Mila does in the next book.
Mila also had a mentor, Greta the Great who encouraged Mila to practice, and stay focused.
Her parents were her audience and throughout the story they supported Mila which gave her the confidence to continue to learn her magic tricks.
David Copperfield wrote a message in the beginning of the book where he captured the lesson from this story.
He calls them the three Ps of Success.
Amy Kimlat captured those three Ps in her story. They are well written life lessons.
I hope all parents will encourage their children to believe they can grow up to be a magician too.
I can't wait to see what Mila does in the next book.
November 15, 2022
This is a wonderful book about a school age girl who falls in love with magic after having a female magician perform at her birthday party. The library comes to the rescue and, I must tell you, that is the best list of magic books from a library I have ever seen! The author is magic knowledgeable and has professional magicians in her family, and her knowledge shows. The book is wonderfully written and illustrated and the story is good. David Copperfield writes the introduction. The book is suitable for all young readers, female and male alike. Me? I'm a 70 year old magic hobbyist, I loved the book. Really a fine read.
I have since reread it. It really is a wonderful book and I cannot wait to share it with our grandkids. Highly recommended.
I have since reread it. It really is a wonderful book and I cannot wait to share it with our grandkids. Highly recommended.
October 5, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review. This is such a cute motivational read for younger audiences in fact im defiantly going to try and get my younger cousin a copy. The story follows Mila who is inspired by the magician who comes to her own birthday party so she decides to learn some of her own and try and become a magician which doesn’t exactly go to plan. However she never gives up and keeps trying and by the end successfully does her own magic show at her party the next year. The magic tricks at the back are also brilliant. Worth a read
October 14, 2022
Simple and very engaging rhyming story - wonderful for young readers and near-perfect for reading aloud.
The publication does not show only hocus-pocus, tricks, and illusions, but the magic of letters and words as well.
Rhymes are very well chosen and readers can make good connections between pairing words that sound almost the same but have different meanings.
Illustrations as an accompaniment to the story are engaging, colourful, and bright, and add to the experience.
I would not say anything about the narrative or the protagonists - not to spoil the magic of the book.
In brief: Can be a hit with kids.
The publication does not show only hocus-pocus, tricks, and illusions, but the magic of letters and words as well.
Rhymes are very well chosen and readers can make good connections between pairing words that sound almost the same but have different meanings.
Illustrations as an accompaniment to the story are engaging, colourful, and bright, and add to the experience.
I would not say anything about the narrative or the protagonists - not to spoil the magic of the book.
In brief: Can be a hit with kids.
October 21, 2022
My six year old boy read this in one sitting. He sat quietly, engaged with each page and was quite engrossed in the story and images throughout. I asked him what he thought of the story and if he wanted to do the trick. He really liked the story but the trick to try at the end didn't appeal to him unfortunately so he didn't want to try it (It's not a book of magic tricks so it's nice that there's a trick to try at the end and there is a link to learn more!)
It was great watching my son read through this and as I read along with him I thought the story was cute and had a good moral baked into it without overly doing it. The illustrations are lovely and the rhyme is written well.
It was great watching my son read through this and as I read along with him I thought the story was cute and had a good moral baked into it without overly doing it. The illustrations are lovely and the rhyme is written well.
October 31, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! The pictures were vibrant, the prose was witty and I loved the rhyming aspects. The story line chronicles the evolution of the main character Mila, and how through practice and dedication, she was able to achieve her goal. I also like the character of Greta and the great and how she helps Mila in her journey. This book is designed for a broad range of ages, from two to ten, and I feel that there are aspects of the story that any age group, including adults can appreciate regarding tenacity and dedication. A truly magnificent book highly recommended for public, preschool, and elementary school libraries and for your personal collection.
Laura S.
Laura S.
November 7, 2022
FAVORITE THING ABOUT BOOK: A very cute book about the things you want to become will take practice.
PROS/CONS OF WRITING: Mila wanted to be a magician but everything she tried failed. It took her mentor explaining that she needed to learn the tricks and practice in order for Mila to succeed. Practicing patience and mentoring are stressed. Simple tricks follow.
WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS BOOK: Great for young readers.
I received an ARC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
PROS/CONS OF WRITING: Mila wanted to be a magician but everything she tried failed. It took her mentor explaining that she needed to learn the tricks and practice in order for Mila to succeed. Practicing patience and mentoring are stressed. Simple tricks follow.
WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS BOOK: Great for young readers.
I received an ARC from BooksGoSocial through NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book. I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.
October 18, 2022
I enjoyed reading this Hocus Pocus Practice Focus just as much as my kids. The story is fun to read with it’s excellent rhyming, and it also teaches a valuable lesson to keep practicing. The pictures are illustrated perfectly to match the words…even my one year old was delighted by the story and the illustrations. What a fun story for everyone in the family. It even comes with some how-to magic tricks for your little ones (or yourself). Huge kudos to everyone who put this book together especially the author! Awesome book, I look forward to this being a bedtime favorite for my children.
October 22, 2022
Perfect book for any young child. The message isn’t just for future young magicians, it’s for every child who wants to try a new skill. How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice…and Hocus Pocus Practice Focus explains that you can do hard things..it just takes a lot of practice. What a fun read this is for adults, but even more fun when you read with a child. Perfect gift for every child. There’s even a surprise twist! I also hope to dazzle my friends with the magic tricks the author so kindly provided.
October 26, 2022
A fun and engaging story which puts across a really important message. As a primary school teacher with a special interest in growth mindset, I will be sharing this book with each of my classes early in the year as I help them to develop positive attitudes about themselves and their ability to learn. I am also an amateur magician, and the book contains a couple of relatively simple but effective magic tricks which the children will enjoy learning and showing to friends and family. Highly recommended.
October 27, 2022
In this great book: "Hocus Pocus Practice Focus: The making of a magician", the author Amy Kimlat teaches children and especially girls that it is possible to become a magician and that learning magic as everything in life requires great effort, study, practice and rehearsal. That one should not discouraged by small stumbles and that through perseverance it is possible to achieve the desired goal: to delight, perplex and surprise them. Excellent ilustrations and text. Highly recommended for any children who wants to start learning to do magic, i hope it inspires more girls to learn magic.
October 27, 2022
This book is a perfect introduction to magic. It teaches kids that magic takes work and practice. I have been a magician for most of my life. I currently teach kids magic and showmanship in my theater in Rumford Maine. In this modern world often kids feel that the magic will happen automatically. I expect this book just may be the introduction to many conjurers of the future! I highly recommend this book to kids who may be interested in magic. I think this will get them off on the right foot! Scot Grassette Rumford Maine
October 27, 2022
Engaging and Magical!
I read this story with my four year old son, much to his delight! He stayed engaged through the whole reading and straight away wanted to try to make things disappear! I was so glad to have the magic trick in the back of the book so he could PRACTICE!
I will definitely be purchasing this for my nieces and nephews! Great for older toddlers and beyond! I would also recommend this for storytimes, and other curricula for elementary teachers. There are a lot of great life lessons we can all take away from Mila’s story.
10/10
I read this story with my four year old son, much to his delight! He stayed engaged through the whole reading and straight away wanted to try to make things disappear! I was so glad to have the magic trick in the back of the book so he could PRACTICE!
I will definitely be purchasing this for my nieces and nephews! Great for older toddlers and beyond! I would also recommend this for storytimes, and other curricula for elementary teachers. There are a lot of great life lessons we can all take away from Mila’s story.
10/10
October 27, 2022
This is an important book for young girls (and boys) aspiring to do magic - or anything they set out to achieve. It's encouraging for young women to have role models who inspire and guide them, ones they can relate to. Amy Kimlat really hits on universal themes about persevering through rough patches and learning from mistakes. Having patience and grit for the things that you're passionate about will ultimately determine your success. I'd highly recommend this book for parents who want to guide their children to pursue their passion.
October 28, 2022
Great book on magic for girls and all kids!
Sure this book teaches some easy magic tricks, but more importantly it teaches practical lessons on practice, passion, and perseverance which are important for success in the real world, not just in magic, but in any worthwhile endeavor.
Its a fun quick read that can serve to open up discussion with your children about these topics. The illustrations are cute and fun and, as a magician, I appreciated the little "Easter eggs" peppered throughout. We're a fan of this book and can't wait to see what else Amy comes up with! Bravo!
Sure this book teaches some easy magic tricks, but more importantly it teaches practical lessons on practice, passion, and perseverance which are important for success in the real world, not just in magic, but in any worthwhile endeavor.
Its a fun quick read that can serve to open up discussion with your children about these topics. The illustrations are cute and fun and, as a magician, I appreciated the little "Easter eggs" peppered throughout. We're a fan of this book and can't wait to see what else Amy comes up with! Bravo!
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