Books, Reviews

Looking for Magic? Here is Some!

I always find that when I go looking for magic, it is right there. Sometimes around me – in my family, my home, my friends, in my home, my backyard, and more . At other times within me itself. And then so very often in art in its various forms.. and then, always, always in books! So here is some of that “uniquely portable magic” as Stephen King calls it.

You can find magic
wherever you look.
Sit back and relax,
all you need is a book.”

― Dr. Seuss

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Looking for Magic? Find it in Books Like These

All That Is You

All That Is You by Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrated by Devon Holzwarth | Children’s Books/Family (2 – 6 years, and up) | Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (August 16, 2022)

Description: Filled with snuggles and giggles galore, this wondrous picture book is an ode to the intergenerational bonds of love and joy shared between family and friends, featuring a wide array of communities.

My Quick Thoughts: So very very cute!! The words brought to mind one of my very favorite songs – All I Want is You from the movie Juno. Adorable illustrations and heartwarming lyrics just tugged at my heartstrings throughout in this book. I had my almost 17-year old (one of two to who I can apply all the words in this book to) to read the book aloud with me and she aawwwed at the end, and said the very same words that I first thought of when I read the book – so very cute!

Every time you open a book, a little magic falls out.” – librarianlost

Brown Is Beautiful

Brown Is Beautiful: A Poem of Self-Love by Supriya Kelkar and illustrated by Noor Sofi | Children’s Self-Esteem Books (4 – 8 years, and up) | Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (October 4, 2022)

Description: For fans of Hair Love and Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, here is an empowering picture book about recognizing the beauty around you and within you by award-winning author Supriya Kelkar and rising star illustrator Noor Sofi.

My Quick Thoughts: I read Kelkar’s Ahimsa a couple of years ago (not reviewed here yet) and loved it. And I also enjoyed her picture books – both as author (Bindu’s Bindis) and illustrator (My Diwali Light). I have been meaning to read American as Paneer Pie and That Thing About Bollywood for a while now (soon!). But back to this book, for I did say ‘quick thoughts, right?’

This one is stunning, powerful, and inspiring, and so very relatable! Filled with lyrical affirmations that show the strength and beauty and all that is brown accompanied by gorgeous artwork filled with delightful details, this book is a must-read. The author’s note at the end along with instructions on how to make your own scrapbook are both not to be missed.

A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic.” — Carl Sagan

Old Friends

Old Friends by Margaret Aitken and illustrated by Lenny Wen | Children’s Multigenerational Family Life (4 – 8 years, and up) | Feiwel & Friends (July 26, 2022)

Description: Paired with colorful and vibrant art by Lenny Wen, Old Friends by Margaret Aitken is an inventive and heartfelt debut picture book that celebrates found family, caregiving, and the value of intergenerational friendships.

My Quick Thoughts: So very charming and cute and creative! I love this book that shows readers that we can discover friendships everywhere and make friends of all ages! Aitken’s sweet narrative pairs so very well with Wen’s lively and joyous illustrations to tell us Marjorie’s search for friends with similar interests as her own. Highly recommend!

And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” ― Roald Dahl

Related Reads if You’re Still Looking for Magic

I wrote that Books are Magic on another Magic Monday (or rather, on another Monday, 16th January in the twin calendar year of 2017) with another list of magical books. Check that post here.

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, have you read any of these books? Or similar ones? Which one would you pick first among the ones here?

This post goes towards It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? and the Ultimate Blog Challenge.

9 thoughts on “Looking for Magic? Here is Some!

  1. I’m always looking for good books to share with my granddaughter. I will check out these, especially All that is You. Thanks for bringing the magic.

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