Magic or Not? (Odyssey Classic) [Paperback]

Edward Eager (Author), N.M. Bodecker (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Odyssey Classic | Publication Date: August 1989

“Lots of fun.”--The New York Times Book Review

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Review

When Laura and her twin brother James move to Silvermine, Connecticut, they are quickly informed of the magic propensities of their garden well by pixyish Lydia. The three children become involved in a series of adventures which include saving an old woman from being committed, helping a spoilt rich boy make friends, and rescuing a missing baby heir. For all of which the grownup neighbors are grateful and in their gratitude help the well to grant the children their wishes. Edward Eager, once again, concocts a charming story in which fantasy and fact live quite compatibly side by side and in which magic ultimately is defined as the goodness of the heart. (Kirkus Reviews ) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

N. M Bodecker has illustrated many childrens books written by Edward Eager such as "Time Garden", "Seven Day Magic", "Magic by the Lake", and many more.

Edward Eager was a playwright and lyricist who turned his hand to children's books after reading the stories of the great British fantasist E. Nesbit. His seven books remain among the most popular children's fantasies ever written by an American. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 190 pages
• Publisher: Harcourt Childrens Books (J) (August 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0152511601
• ISBN-13: 978-0152511609
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,354,840 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magic or not, this book is enchanting, October 30, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Magic or Not? (Odyssey Classic) (Paperback)

I love all of Eager's books. "Magic or Not" and "The Well Wishers" differ from his other five books in that the magic is less overt. It might be magic, it might be imagination, or ???? This book introduces readers to the joys that a love of the past can offer. The mystery centers on an abandoned house--who lived there? Why did they leave? The children are realistic, and you'll want to eat Lady Baltimore cake after reading this book. I read it at 8 and checked it out again and again just so I could keep it on my bookshelf. I'm happy today to own that original hardcover (the same one I checked out 30 years ago) as well as one of the newer paperback editions. The illustrations are great too.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Well said ,well magic..., July 12, 2001

By 

julip510 (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magic or Not? (Paperback)

In this book Mr. Eager introduces us to James, Laura, Kip, Lydia, Deborah and Gordy....not to mention the magic of the wishing well. In this book James and Laura have just moved to the country from New York. They are both excited about this move. A move to the country, for them, signals the beginning of adventure. They find adventure, too, when Lydia suggests to Laura to make a wish upon the well in hers' and James' new backyard. Some of the good deed adventures in this book are exciting, some are not; however, interesting insight is offered into each character-which will come in handy when reading "The Well Wishers", the sequel.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant but a little pale, October 7, 2005

By 

grrlpup (Portland, Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magic or Not? (Paperback)

When the characters of a book spend the whole thing wondering if what's been going on is real magic or not, it' safe to assume the magic is not dramatic and thunderous.

That's how it is in this book. A group of children go around the countryside together, getting to know the people in the village, and doing good deeds that don't always turn out as they'd planned. Watching the children become fast friends, though one of them is thorny and another is goofy and a bit of a reject, is the best part of the book. The plot isn't predictable, but its surprises are mild.

I agree that Half Magic and Magic By the Lake, by the same author, pack more punch. But this one's nice for filling in if you've read those and want another Edward Eager fix, or if you just want to while away a summer day.