Reviews: (by author)

Bernstein, Nina. Magic by the Book. Illus. Boris Kulikov. New York: Frances Foster Books, Farrar Straus Giroux, 2005. ISBN 0-374-34718-2

A New York Times journalist and nonfiction National Book Award finalist for The Children of Wilder (2002), Nina Bernstein turns her talent to children's fiction. Lucky for us, since the book reminds us of the magic stories held for us. She introduces three engaging children: Anne, Emily, and Will Thornton. They grow up in a literate home filled with books. Not only do they read these books, but they also enact scenes from them. For the children a visit to the library brings a stack of books to start the summer. Anne and Emily discover a mysterious one that neither girl remembers choosing. This nondescript book is the first to provide them with actual entry into other worlds: Sherwood Forest, Jardinia, and Russia. Initially, Anne and Emily enter into and become part of The Adventures of Robin Hood. The girls assist Robin Hood in rescuing Will Scarlet from hanging, defeating the sinister Prince John, and ensuring the return of Richard Lion-Heart. They call upon their knowledge of other stories to help Robin evade the Prince's trap. Finally, Robin returns the girls to the exact point where they entered Sherwood Forest, and they find their magical book with a mysterious, encouraging message-"Date Due: Not Yet!" The second venture into the book comes to Will who "loves books," but still can't read; he much prefers looking at insect picturebooks. In the siblings' hierarchy, Will usually attends to his sisters' wishes during play: being a squire, chanting magic spells, and mixing magical potions. But Will's knowledge of the plants and insects in the family garden aids him when he opens the strange, new library book and begins a heroic encounter with the giant bugs of Jardinia. Later, all three children chase a frightening man who steals one of their books. This final adventure finds the children trying to rescue the tome, fighting off wolves, and defeating a demonic spirit. When they return to their garden, they discover that the book's due-date reads: "Today." Throughout the story, Boris Kulikov's black-and-white illustrations complement the adventures. His characters are not prettified, but seem reminiscent of Maurice Sendak's children. However , despite the rather homely nature of the art, it fits this magical story. Interspersed between the fast-paced adventures, Bernstein examines the real-life problems that come with childhood: sibling rivalries, dealing with parents, and ambivalence about physically growing up and changing. The scenes with the family create a realism that lets us accept and believe the fantastic adventures. This book offers the opportunity to explore fantasy worlds and encourages readers to enter into other wonderful stories.

Toni Rowden, January 2006

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