A heartfelt story about dealing with the loss of a loved one. The graphic novel format along with the magical elements will attract many young readers. Here’s what to expect:

Card tricks, clever illusions–Cooper can do them all. His dad, also known as the Great Eduardo, taught him the tricks of the magical trade before he passed away. When a talking rabbit appears from his dad’s old top hat, and reveals there is a place where Cooper might find his dad, he jumps at the chance. Magic is about believing the impossible, after all. But what–and who–is waiting for them in the land where magic goes wrong?

Cooper goes through many realistic emotions as he deals with the passing of his father. Magic is the only thing that keeps them connected. The fantasy aspect begins when the stuffed rabbit his dad used as a stage prop (better known as Rabbit De Niro) begins talking with Cooper. He has some of the best one-liners that add to the comic side of the tale.

The rabbit and Cooper end up in a different world controlled by Dimblechip, the President of Magic. From there it’s up Cooper to find the true meaning of moving forward after a terrible loss.

Gray scale images throughout are effective and keep the story moving at a nice pace. For any young person who has lost a parent, A TRICKY KIND OF MAGIC could be a helpful step toward feeling better.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nigel Baines is an experienced book designer who has worked for various trade publishing houses. He is a keen walker and would like to spend half the year living on top of the Andes. His other great loves are Grantham Town Football Club and any kind of travel.

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