A young boy learns from his grandma that real magic isn’t about “abracadabra.”“There are many kinds of magic. You have to learn to recognize it all around you,” says Grandma.
“But how?” asks Ty.
“How about this magic. Remember last summer when you wanted to swim like your brother?”
“Yeah,” says Ty.
“That’s a story about what I call REAL MAGIC. That’s when something changes for real, not by pretending. So, tell me what happened.”
Ty is a boy who likes to ask questions, and fortunately, his wise grandma is ready to help him find the answers.
This gentle children’s book leads readers through the story of Ty’s experience learning to swim and the inherent lesson of how “real magic” can be translated into real life. Along the way, Ty and grandma paint the wall of an old shed, transforming it into a thing of beauty.
The book was created by Maui writer and retired attorney Sharon Mosley—also a loving grandmother herself. In fact, the book was inspired by a question from her then 4-year-old grandson, Solwazi Allah, who is now 10.
What is Magic? is illustrated in gorgeous detail by Sharon’s daughter Maya Mosley. An Oakland, Calif.-based textile artist and designer, Maya used magazine collage work to bring Ty’s story to life in vibrant color. The resulting images—reflecting folk art design and African-American quilting styles—are worthy of deeper study than just skimming through, revealing new layers with every viewing.
The text is printed on an aquamarine background like a swimming pool, which is beautiful but makes reading the black lettering somewhat tedious.
Aimed at children ages 5 to 9, the book would be enjoyable for children of all ages. Grandma’s mild wisdom guides the storyline; however, the true answer to the “what is magic?” question may not be clear to younger readers. That’s where the discussion questions at the back of the book—questions like “Can you think of things that are magic to you?”—may help children to absorb the lessons.
Sharon and Maya will give a presentation about the book at Makawao Public Library on Saturday, July 12, at 2 p.m. Sharon will talk about turning a story idea into a book, and Maya will discuss her collage work. Both will share with the children ways to create their own colorful picture books at home.
What is Magic? is available online at www.whatismagicpicturebook.com, and also at Upcountry Harvest gift store (next to Kula Lodge) and Maui Child Toys and Books in Makawao.
4 out of 5 Shakas
What is Magic?
By Sharon Mosley
Illustrated by Maya Mosley
Xlibris Corp., 2008
softcover, $12
ISBN: 978-1-4257-9307-4
www.whatismagicpicturebook.com