The Vanishing Coin (Magic Shop Series, 1)

As a professional in the field of recreation, who has worked with children of all ages for over thirty years and have read many books on myth and magic, The Vanishing Coin entertains, enlightens and empowers. The story hooked me right from the start and certainly had its moments of suspense, laughter and identifying with the characters (even though it's been a while since I saw grade school as a student). The plot is well done: a 4th grader trying to do his best in school but somehow missing the mark, finds a unique solution with the help of some unlikely people. The empowering comes into play when the lead character discovers a useful way to diffuse the attentions of a bully (because there isn't always going to be an adult around to mediate the situation and bullies are a fact of life, despite what other adults might think). As treasurer of the Society of American Magicians Assembly 174, and longtime member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, I can attest to the fact that throughout this book it is stated, over and over, why magicians don't and shouldn't reveal their secrets, yet the book still entices young magician-wannabes to try out some simple introductory effects. A fine line to walk between teaching magical effects and keeping the secrets while putting forth an engaging story for both girls and boys: Kate Egan and Mike Lane have done both well. I'm looking forward to the future adventures of Mike and Nora. Break a thread, Mike!

My boys (ages 6 and 7.5) and I love this series! I read all books available in the series out loud to the boys, and we can't wait for the next one to come out. My 2nd grader is now reading the books for school (AR program). This set is a rare find. Many popular books have content that would be inappropriate for my 6-year-old, who is a bit sensitive to scary scenes, bad language and high drama. In this series, Mike and Nora are both very likeable, and you are rooting for them from the start. Even though Mike has to deal with a bully at school, he does so admirably. Often, I find bullying scenes in books to be a bit intimidating, and I didn't want my boys becoming anxious or thinking that the fourth grades and upper grades are full of bullies. The author presents the conflicts well. We loved all of the scenes regarding magic, finding the magic shop, befriending the shop owner, etc., as well as the instructions for how to do the tricks. My younger son, in particular, loves to learn magic tricks. Overall, the whole series is a winner. I would recommend these books to anyone who has kids who are interested in magic and a little bit of mystery.

With an aspiring magician in our house, The Vanishing Coin was a fun book for our mini magician son to read. The story was simple enough for my 6 year old to follow and enjoy. The story is covers a good range of topics including believing in yourself, being open to trying new thing, and dealing with bullies. Both my son and I enjoyed how there were simple magic tricks peppered throughout the book and we both liked the illustrations. Spoiler alert - the one thing I didn't like was how the book ended. It went straight from actual technical magic to whimsical storybook magic (how did Mike's $5 bill turn into a handful of quarters anyways) - something which was done simply to lead into the second book. My son was slightly disappointed that the story simply ended with a story book magic cliffhanger as opposed to a "real ending", but he did ask to read the sequel. Well played Magician Mike Lane - we're going to have to read the rest of your series.

My 7 year old loved this book. We read it together, but he could have read it himself. We are excited to get more in the series. It even teaches a few magic tricks.

My son who is reading about 2nd grade level was very engaged with this book. It has just the right amount of intrigue and pictures to keep a seven year old boy interested! He's currently ready the second book it the serious. Another bonus is that each book includes detailed magic tricks which are a lot of fun to perform!

After reading the reviews I actually bought two copies to give out as birthday party favors. One of the boys I gave them to said it was the best book he has ever received and that he read the whole book as soon as he received it. The other boy really liked it as well. They are both 8 years old. For $6 it is such a bargain! I will definitely buy the next books in the Magic Shop series for Christmas.

The first nine chapters of this book are enjoyable enough, if mildly uninspired. Kid teams with smart nerdy girl to beat school bully. I like the lesson of building confidence by finding something you are passionate about and practicing. The magic shop storyline is good, and co-author/magician Michael Sherman aka Magic Mike Lane provides several How-To instructions. So why does the book resort to mysticism in the final chapter? Seems like it was more important for the publisher to set up a sequel (Book 2, The Incredible Twisting Arm ) rather than satisfactorily conclude the first book. In any case, that sort of magic seems out of place. Continuing my constructive criticism, the parental figures are very undeveloped. Small gripe: the shopkeeper introducing himself to the kids as "Joe Zerlin" seems unfitting; "Mr. Zerlin" is better. Nice illustrations. While the recommended reading range is second to fourth grade, the text seems suited to the lower end. It's too short a book (with too-large type) to be anything more than light reading for strong elementary school readers. A better magic book in this range is Horten's Miraculous Mechanisms . Another possibility is the Magic Tree House entry, Hurry Up, Houdini!

Thank you!

For kids who love magic and tricks!