Magic in the Margins: A Medieval Tale of Bookmaking

by W. Nikola-Lisa, Bonnie Christensen (Illustrator)

Simon was an orphan, the son of peasants. He was keen-minded and quick and soon learned the ways of the scriptorium, of the illuminated manuscripts. In fact, he was such a fast learner, he felt ready to draw pictures of his own in his teacher’s books. But first, the monastery’s father tells him, he must learn how to capture mice.

Prolific author W. Nikola-Lisa and acclaimed illustrator Bonnie Christensen combine talents to create their own illuminated story about patience, talent, and the imagination.

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Books About Books, Art, Fiction, Medieval History, Juvenile

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2007

About the author

W. Nikola-Lisa's interest in writing books for young readers began as an elementary school teacher. He is the author of numerous books, including the award-winning Bein' With You This Way (Lee & Low), Shake Dem Halloween Bones (Houghton Mifflin) and the How We Are Smart (Lee & Low), recipient of the prestigious Christopher Award. As an accomplished storyteller and musician, Mr. Nikola-Lisa enjoys sharing his writing experiences with elementary and middle school students nationwide.

Reviews

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not nonfiction, but it works as such in many ways. Perfect for a homeschooling unit on the middle ages. I coupled it with Marguerite Reads a Book, and they were both a big hit.

[W. Nikola-Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, this is a difficult book for a child to understand. I wrote it more for the older, middle grade reader, but middle grade readers rarely pick up a picture book. So, although an incredibly well-illustrated book (by Bonnie Christensen), the storyline is a bit too dense for the young reader. I, on the other hand, enjoyed writing the story because I have a perennial fascination with all things medieval.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book about an apprentice scribe during the Middle Ages provides scant information about how illuminated manuscrips were made but does offer a chance for parents and children to reflect on creativity and the artistic process. It would probably be appreciated most by children under the age of 8.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated. The plot of this book coincides with the plot in "Pillars of the Earth". I'm taking this one home to savor the paintings again:)

[Joanne Stein · Rating 3 out of 5]

a beautiful, thoughtful book!

[Anca Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great concept. Could have been a five-star book, but the illustrations are remarkably dull. A more inspired illustrator could have really made this shine. To me it has the look of a rough draft.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would be great to accompany a drawing lesson. (talks of getting the essence of a subject matter rather than a faithful copy). Read for Medieval study.