As every parent knows, licensed Harry Potter merchandise has exploded on the marketplace, but now young wizard hopefuls can learn how to make their very own magic gear with
The Book of Wizard Craft. Although this inventive and engaging volume bears no actual connection to the mighty Master Potter, many of the projects were clearly inspired by his adventures and attributes. Seems just about everyone is jumping on the wizard-craze bandwagon these days, but this spirited incarnation is done with skill.
Wishing to pass along his 600 year's worth of arcane lore, the ancient wizard behind this creative collection shares his secrets for wizard regalia (bejeweled turban, hourglass pendant, magic cloak, wands, staffs, and the obligatory robe), the decorative arts (magic carpet, crystal ball, celestial sheets), horticulture (fairy circle, carnivorous-plant terrarium), animal husbandry (dragon scales, eye of newt, apothecary carry-all), book arts (secret journal, invisible inks, quill pen), astronomy (constellation caster), alchemy (magic potions galore), and amusement (party ideas, decorations, spooky edibles), and much more. Bewitching painted illustrations add sprightly fun and help to further clarify relatively good directions. Even kids who want nothing to do with sorcery in the craft room will enjoy reading the magical myths, international legends, and witchy stories. --Amy Handy
While Hogwarts wannabes await Harry Potter V, they can pass the time with The Book of Wizard Craft by Janice Eaton Kilby, Deborah Morgenthal and Terry Taylor, illus. by Lindy Burnett. Narrated by a 600-year-old wizard, this collection of 50 crafts goes beyond glitter and tissue paper projects, to include sewing a wizard's robe, making crystal candy and learning to read tea leaves. Between projects, kids can read stories of Celtic Shape Shifters and of King Arthur.
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-Using the text as a guide, budding wizards can cook up potions and lotions of every sort. Apprentices are guided through eight chapters of projects dedicated to furthering various arts, such as horticulture, animal husbandry, and alchemy. Written as though an old wizard dictated the projects to his scribes, the book will delight readers. The "Shrunken Mandrake Heads" and "Kraken Slime" are sure to become favorites. In an introduction, readers are cautioned to use common sense and told not to drink or eat the potions. A black-and-red spider graphic indicates projects that require adult supervision. Instructions are clearly written and easy to follow. However, supplies may require a shopping trip ahead of time-not everything needed is necessarily a pantry item. Burnett does a fantastic job of bringing these projects to life with colorful illustrations-most decorative, some instructive-on every page. Fans of all that is wizardly will love this one.
Elaine Baran Black, Gwinnett County Public Library, Lawrenceville, GA
Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
About the Author