
Tito the Magician ( Age 3+ )
By : Guido Van Genechten
Publisher : Clavis Books ( August 2016 )
Tito the little clown is amazed by Manu`s magic. And he wishes to be a Magician just like Manu, but how? "No matter how much powder Tito used, and no matter how many times he waved his wand, his little hat remained empty." So Tito decides to ask for Manu`s help. "Yes" Manu agrees to help. Manu does not teach him much, but asks him to watch carefully, "HOKUS POKUS ABRACADABRA...." the magic works and Manu pulls a lovely rabbit out of his magic hat! Tito is astonished. Before he leaves for his next show he also gives Tito one important piece of advice."You have to believe that you can do it" and "only then will the magic work" Then suddenly it is Tito`s turn to show his magic when he is invited to stage by Manu. Will he be able to do it?
"Magic doesn't happen by magic but only by believing in yourself," is the wonderful message that Manu & Tito brings out to the reader, but by leaving a bit of magic for us to wonder about.....As the story doesn't explain us about how a rabbit or the mouse comes out of the hat. Spot on illustrations are expressive and clear, and tell us the story all by itself. And the story refers to a theme close to kids' hearts.
However, I feel that there is not enough content in the story; It is not a type of book that children would return to soon, and there is no excitement nor rich details to make them linger over the book. But there is a message; A valuable, clear-cut message and space for thought.
The story would leave children in awe, their imaginations may run wild.......And they will perform their little magic with confidence!!
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