Reviewed by Claire Stuckey
Marlow and her family are at the showground enjoying all the
entertainment when she notices Mervin the Magical’s show is just about to
begin. Marlow enjoys the show, becoming more intrigued after she is chosen to assist
Mervin to perform a trick. Her friend Felix and dog Rockstar watch the show and
are impressed. At home she opens the magic show bag and soon starts performing
tricks for her parents. Most do not go as planned, despite careful practice. Determined
to succeed Marlow continues with new tricks providing dad with lots of laughs.
When the class talent show is announced, Marlow and Felix plan to amaze
but deceive the class with a fake hypnosis. However, when her teacher starts “clucking”,
and acting like a chicken Marlow needs to act fast. With lots of laughs and
chaotic scenes this is a fun novel for young readers. Many children enjoy magic
and Marlow takes on the challenge working hard with her Beginners Guide.
The book points out the need to practice and learning by your mistakes but does
not become overbearing. A few illustrations give reluctant readers a break from
the text and add to the humour. In a second title for the author, Marlow’s
adventures begun with Scientist in the Making.
This is an enjoyable read for children aged 8 plus years.
