Dahl,
Michael. The Trouble With Abracadabra. (Hocus
Pocus Hotel #4) Capstone/Stone Arch 2013 112 ISBN 978-1-4342-4102-3 elem Hardback VG
Fantasy
This is the fourth title in the Hocus
Pocus Hotel series. Brack, the
elevator operator, tells the public that he is also the magician Abracadabra and will be doing
one final show. He invites all the
magicians to a party at his rooftop mansion.
There, Theopolis challenges Brack to figure out how he does his
illusion. The hotel and mansion are the
prizes at
stake. Theopolis appears to juggle while
being levitated
over the pool, amid thick smoke and other special effects. Brack, Charlie and Ty are perplexed as to how
he did it. They think about it and question
people all week. On the last day, Ty figures it out
and the hotel is saved. The solution is
a bit too simple to have confused them for such a long time.
Supplemental material includes discussion questions, writing prompts, a glossary and one trick, easily mastered by a young magician, that is illustrated and explained. The story is fast-paced and full of action. Sentences are kept short and direct, and the vocabulary is simple to fit the needs of young readers. This title will appeal to grades 2-6 and struggling older readers. It is easy to read without seeming condescending. Readers will enjoy the Hocus Pocus Hotel stories, and each one builds on the others with familiar characters. It is highly recommended for grades 3-6.
Summary: Fourth in the Hocus
Pocus Hotel series. Brack (a.k.a.
Abracadabra) is faced with a challenge, with the hotel and his home on the line. Ty and Charlie must figure out how a magic trick was done, and the solution is
almost too simple. Elementary grades.
Magic
tricks-Fiction, Easy readers --Joan
Theal
