(3) 4-6 Magic Shop series. Illustrated by Eric Wight. With Magician Mike Lane. Fourth grader Mike is growing up, but no one else seems to notice. The chance to show off his magic in the school talent show might be just what he needs to change his image once and for all...if he can control his stage fright. Black-and-white cartoon illustrations and four new magic tricks will keep fans of this undemanding series engaged.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) 4-6 Magic Shop series. Illustrated by Eric Wight. With Magician Mike Lane. In Coin, nine-year-old Mike, who "just [can't] sit still," discovers a passion for magic and some new-found confidence. In Arm, Mike's attempts to prove he's responsible enough to visit the local magic shop by himself go awry. This new series offers less-confident readers a sympathetic, likable protagonist with good intentions. Step-by-step instructions for several tricks and black-and-white cartoon illustrations support the accessible texts. Review covers these Magic Shop titles: The Incredible Twisting Arm and The Vanishing Coin.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) 4-6 Magic Shop series. Illustrated by Eric Wight. With Magician Mike Lane. In Coin, nine-year-old Mike, who "just [can't] sit still," discovers a passion for magic and some new-found confidence. In Arm, Mike's attempts to prove he's responsible enough to visit the local magic shop by himself go awry. This new series offers less-confident readers a sympathetic, likable protagonist with good intentions. Step-by-step instructions for several tricks and black-and-white cartoon illustrations support the accessible texts. Review covers these Magic Shop titles: The Incredible Twisting Arm and The Vanishing Coin.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) 4-6 Magic Shop series. Illustrated by Eric Wight. With Magician Mike Lane. When fourth grader Mike finds an old family photo that might just be of Harry Houdini, he sets out to prove he's related to the world's greatest magician. Unfortunately, school bully Jackson makes it hard for him. Once again, Mike finds himself in hilarious scrapes in this accessible third installment. Occasional black-and-white cartoon illustrations and four new magic tricks will keep readers engaged.

Reviewer: Rebecca Kirshenbaum

(3) 4-6 Magic Shop series. Shy Juliet suddenly has an annoying throng of admirers after a strange woman gives her a magical amulet; even more alarming is the fact that she can't take off the necklace. With the help of talking rats Jerome and Roxanne, Juliet meets several Greek gods and goddesses who enable her to uncover the locket's secret. The lighthearted fantasy will entertain fans of the popular series.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) 4-6 Magic Shop series. Illustrated by Katherine Coville. The first of Coville's Magic Shop books is slightly revised to make it more consistent with other volumes in the series. The plot remains unchanged: fifth-grader Russell Crannaker buys a ring at Mr. Elives's shop and acquires the ability to turn into a monster. He wreaks havoc at his classroom Halloween party and later gets even with his nemesis in this fast-paced, if somewhat slick and predictable, story.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta