Magic Pacha !

by Nadia Shireen

Presto is a very talented magician. And his friend Monty is a very confident performer. So when they start a magic show at the carnival, things look good for the dazzling duo.  But as their success grows, so does Monty's head. Soon, he's the one who's always in the spotlight, and he's becoming bossier and more demanding: "Hey, Presto! Get my hat!" "Presto! These bunnies don't work." "I need chocolate ice cream with extra sprinkles—and I need it NOW!"  When Presto gets fed up and decides to leave, what will happen to the show? And more importantly, to their friendship?

Hey, Presto! is a delight: adorable characters, a fresh, appealing art style, spot-on humor, and a touch of magic on each spread.

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Magic, Childrens, Storytime

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Nadia was always destined for a career in illustration—as a child, she would doodle on her exercise books, while as a student she would doodle on her law degree notes. Then, when working as a journalist in London for pop music bible Smash Hits, she would doodle all the time on anything. The good people at Smash Hits didn’t fire her for doodling furry animals - instead they let her leave early to go to evening classes in illustration.

This was followed by a MA at the prestigious Anglia Ruskin University. Drawing and writing for a living is very much Nadia’s dream come true and we expect great things from this promising new author and illustrator.

source: http://www.carolinesheldon.co.uk/illu...

Reviews

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the "don't be bossy because no one likes bossy" message. I DIDN'T like how Presto didn't ever speak up for himself and just slunk away into the night leaving Monty to epic fail on his own. Being part of a team also means making sure you are heard and understood. I've seen too much of this act-sad-and-hope-someone-will-notice business in real life. Hey Passive-Agressive Presto, use your words and don't sulk. No one likes sulky. Assert yourself man.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute, funny, and heart-warming. Presto and Monty are friends who decide to put on a magic show together. But when Monty hogs the limelight and becomes a diva, Presto leaves, wondering if he is even needed after all. I loved the ending, and great illustrations, too!

[Natalie Browning · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is really sweet and I love the message of forgiveness and working through disagreements. I think children would learn a lot from this and how to manage friendships selflessly and through teamwork.

[Carly Towles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute book about two animal friend and there big dream of being magicians! They run into trouble when Monty is taking over the show but it’s nice to see his friend come in at the last second help him out and then all I’d forgiven between them. So cute!

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.8

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monty and Presto have a magic act, but Monty starts to take over and become bossy. Would be a good companion to Bossy Bear.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

A character realizes he has not been a good friend. Meh.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely story of friendship and sticking together.

[Angie Perreault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beau livre sur l’amitié et le fait d’ambitionner sur un ami. Belle réconciliation finale.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two down on their luck friends audition for the carnival rolling into town. Presto, a cat with a flair for magic, is disappointed when his friend, Monty, steals the spotlight and lets success go to his head. Presto leaves the carnival and Monty finds he’s not so good at magic without the help of his friend. When Presto sees Monty fall flat on his face on TV he arrives just in time to save the show.

A humorous tale about friendship and the entertainment industry. Illustrations were created using pencil, ink, collage, and finished digitally. They work well to support and add to the text by filling in extra details (i.e. the spread that shows readers Presto is behind Monty’s magical talents).

[Jana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute picture book that deals with friendship. Presto & Monty are best friends and start a magic show together. But when success goes to Monty's head, he becomes bossy and rude. Presto finally has enough and leaves. Once Monty realizes how much he misses Presto, everything turns out all right.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute book about not becoming too bossy. Presto and his friend become magicians and go on a magical adventure in which they learn how to work together and to be better friends than they were before. It's all about sharing.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Presto and Monty are performers, and the best of friends until Monty starts hogging the limelight. The layout and spacing of text and pictures creates a natural points of emphasis for storytelling. Illustrations created with pencil, ink, collage, and digital rendering.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inflated ego comes between Monty and his pal, Presto, but they make up in the end. Fun, appealing story.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book teaches a very good lesson about friendship. big bright pictures.

[Ilib4kids · Rating 5 out of 5]

E SHIREEN

[Brindi Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

really, really like the illustrations...so I'd give it 3 1/2 stars

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great friendship story, with appealingly cute illustreations created with pencil, ink, collage, and digital rendering.

[Nancy Jo Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I nice book about Presto and Monty and magic. Not amazing, but a book that kids will surely like.

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be used to teach lesson about being a good friend.