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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
My oldest daughter's favorite book, she pushed it into my hands and demanded I read it, and how can you say no to that kind of rec? Glad I didn't, it's really great. Page turning, characters to love and you learn some magic. Looks like I'll have to read the rest of the series!
I have been wanting to read this series for such a long time, mostly thanks to the brightly coloured covers. I finally was able to purchase book 1 and have just now finished it.
It was a good story. About a runaway boy named Carter who has been raised by his theiving uncle to be a pick-pocket.One day Carter finds himself abandoned after his uncle leaves town. When the police take an interest in him, Carter also decides that it is also time to leave town and find a new home.
He hops onto a passing train and ends up in another town called Mineral Wells. There he finds a Magic Shop run by a man named Mr Vernon. Carter meets a gang of children who all have different skills that could be called magic.
When a gang of thieves shows up in Mineral Wells, using a cover of a circus, they steal lots of small items from the local townspeople. The children overhear the boss of this circus claim that they plan to steal a large diamond that is currently on display at the local tourist resort.
The children then use various magic tricks to steal the diamond back from the circus boss, and also have the boss confess in front of the townspeople and the police. They get carted off to jail.
The following day, Carter discovers that Mr Vernon is actually a distant family member. So when Mr Vernon asks if Carter would like to stay, he says yes. Finally he has a home!!
As an extra there are instructions on how to do some basic magic tricks through the book. Although the last one (Reading peoples minds) which has you asking them to choose a number, and do some basic math tricks, and they give you the final number. By using maths, you have to guess the original number. The book does not explain WHY or HOW the maths works to get back to the correct original number.
I think because I am decades past my childhood, I am not as enamoured of childrens books as I would like to be. This is still a good story and I love the conversation style that the author uses when he pops up every now and then to give his magic tricks instructions. I give this a solid 4 stars.
It was a good story. About a runaway boy named Carter who has been raised by his theiving uncle to be a pick-pocket.One day Carter finds himself abandoned after his uncle leaves town. When the police take an interest in him, Carter also decides that it is also time to leave town and find a new home.
He hops onto a passing train and ends up in another town called Mineral Wells. There he finds a Magic Shop run by a man named Mr Vernon. Carter meets a gang of children who all have different skills that could be called magic.
When a gang of thieves shows up in Mineral Wells, using a cover of a circus, they steal lots of small items from the local townspeople. The children overhear the boss of this circus claim that they plan to steal a large diamond that is currently on display at the local tourist resort.
The children then use various magic tricks to steal the diamond back from the circus boss, and also have the boss confess in front of the townspeople and the police. They get carted off to jail.
The following day, Carter discovers that Mr Vernon is actually a distant family member. So when Mr Vernon asks if Carter would like to stay, he says yes. Finally he has a home!!
As an extra there are instructions on how to do some basic magic tricks through the book. Although the last one (Reading peoples minds) which has you asking them to choose a number, and do some basic math tricks, and they give you the final number. By using maths, you have to guess the original number. The book does not explain WHY or HOW the maths works to get back to the correct original number.
I think because I am decades past my childhood, I am not as enamoured of childrens books as I would like to be. This is still a good story and I love the conversation style that the author uses when he pops up every now and then to give his magic tricks instructions. I give this a solid 4 stars.
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
3.5 for story
5 for Audiobook narration by Neil Patrick Harris himself
Carter, an orphan being raised by his thieving uncle, escapes on a train to Mineral Wells after refusing to steal. There he finds a circus, and friends who deem themselves magical. Together, they outsmart Bosso the Circus Ring Leader and learn what friendship is really about.
5 for Audiobook narration by Neil Patrick Harris himself
Carter, an orphan being raised by his thieving uncle, escapes on a train to Mineral Wells after refusing to steal. There he finds a circus, and friends who deem themselves magical. Together, they outsmart Bosso the Circus Ring Leader and learn what friendship is really about.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this to my 4 year old and we were hooked after only a few pages.
What a delight. I listened to the audio book, read by Neil Patrick Harris. He is an exceptional narrator, and captures the whimsy and adventure of the fun story he wrote beautifully. I highly recommend this as a quick mood boost for readers of any age.