Magic Up Your Sleeve

Book excerpt: In Magic Up Your Sleeve, award-winning author Helaine Becker uses dozens of optical illusions and activities to show how the world of magic manipulates the simple scientific principles of illusion and perception to leave audiences baffled. Budding magicians will learn to make an apple appear to bounce like a tennis ball, to seemingly lift an ice cube without touching, and create an "unpoppable" balloon. Every activity has been tested, is clearly explained, and is designed to provide quick results using only a handful of common household materials. Difficulty ratings are assigned to each trick to help readers choose activities that match their ability. Also paired with each trick is a "What's Going On?" sidebar, which spills the secrets on the science behind the trickery. Special pages within each chapter grant kids glimpses into the lives of professional magicians and provide them with intriguing facts about the history of magic. From special effects to ancient "magic," these pages complement the step-by-step tricks perfectly. A bonus Magician's Survival Guide at the end of the book gives kids the inside scoop on how to stage their own magic show. From how to prepare and what to wear to the art of perfecting patter, this guide will help kids leave their audiences amazed and astounded.