This is a great book for perhaps late primary age children to read alone or with adults at story time together. The book is about Max Mullers who loves magic tricks and uses them and his magic powers in his daily life to try and defeat bullies (The Crayfish Twins) and help his dad to keep his market stall.
I felt that at the beginning of the book it was obvious that an adult was writing it and then part way through it seemed more as though it was Max’s voice. I also read it as though it was a mini Stephen Mulhern narrating, even the illustrations looked like a young Stephen!
The book touches on strong themes of bullying, guns, and violence for a young readership. That said, the illustrations are fun and I particularly liked the blue page edges and the magic top hat images with the stars as you flick the pages.
Overall, a great read for young people but be aware of the dark and sensitive themes of bullying.
I felt that at the beginning of the book it was obvious that an adult was writing it and then part way through it seemed more as though it was Max’s voice. I also read it as though it was a mini Stephen Mulhern narrating, even the illustrations looked like a young Stephen!
The book touches on strong themes of bullying, guns, and violence for a young readership. That said, the illustrations are fun and I particularly liked the blue page edges and the magic top hat images with the stars as you flick the pages.
Overall, a great read for young people but be aware of the dark and sensitive themes of bullying.