“Horten’s Incredible Illusions: Magic, Mystery & Another Very Strange Adventure,” by Lissa Evans, Sterling Children’s Books, Sept. 4, 2012, Hardcover, $14.95 (ages 8 and up)
When we last visited 10-year-old Stuart Horten, he had just recovered his great-uncle Tony’s long-lost magic workshop. Stuart is the rightful owner of the tricks, but he has no proof.
Until the rightful owner can be found, the tricks will be housed at the Beeton Museum, which is good news for Stuart — he’s just been made junior curator of the exhibit. If only he knew how everything worked…
With the help of his friend April, Stuart sets out to discover the mysteries behind each trick. As they begin to work through the different mechanisms, Stuart and April are thrown into a magical world where illusions are the norm. With each new adventure comes harder puzzles and higher stakes. But the prize at the end could make it all worth it.
The follow-up to “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms,” “Horten’s Incredible Illusions” is just as delightful as its predecessor. Like the illusions in this book there’s more to author Lissa Evans’ characters than meets the eye. They are quirky and compelling and the perfect partners to take readers on this adventure. Once again, the writing is easily accessible, fast-paced and absorbing.
“Horten’s Incredible Illusions” is the perfect book to spark any reader’s imagination. In combination with “Horten’s Miraculous Mechanisms,” it would make a great gift for the spunky young reader in your life.
