The Wizard's Guide to Magical Experiments by A.J. Wood

Today's read hit the shelves last week, and while I couldn't get to it before now, I've been so excited to take a peek at it...just too many books and too little time. Anyway, magical experiments are an eye-catcher. I mean, who doesn't like magic and experimental goodness? As long as the experiments are fun, of course. I'm betting this read will hold tons of DYI surprises on the science end and a bit of facts along the way.

Let's open it up and find out!

Also, it's Monday, which means it's time for the weekly MMGM list. Middle grade literature fans and knowers get together to give their recommendations for the weeks or other thoughts on the middle grade realm. So, if you're looking for reads for this age group, head on over HERE and see what's what on that front!

THE WIZARD'S GUIDE TO MAGICAL EXPERIMENTS

40 science tricks to try at home

by A.J. Wood

Illustrated by Jo Rioux

Harry N. Abrams

Middle Grade Nonfiction

32 pages

ages 7 to 10

The Wizard’s Guides to Magical Experiments sparks wonder and curiosity with 40 engaging real-life science experiments for wizards-in-training to try at home and features engaging paper novelty elements throughout.

Welcome to the Touchwood Academy of Magical Thinking, where magical abilities are a must . Kids will discover the thrill of the real-life magic of chemistry with hands-on experiments from the creator of the bestselling Ology books, AJ Wood. As a “First Class Wizard,” Wood guides wizards-in-training through dozens of magic tricks and spells that are actually wow-inducing age-appropriate science experiments.

Mini-booklets and fold-out activities on every page add to the excitement and discovery, covering topics such What is the world made of? 

Experiments with water 

Magical matter 

Marvelous mixtures 

The importance of energy 

Experiments with air 

Experiments with salt 

The magic of crystals 

The acid test Experiments with vinegar 

Reactions and transformations 

Kitchen alchemy 

Young wizards will stop water from freezing, make endothermic ice cream, create a color-changing potion, discover the magic of crystals, and more. At the end of the book, children will earn a certificate that grants them the title of Novice Wizard.

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Grab the hat and magical cape because this read dives into science to produce magical tricks, which are easy and surprising.

These pages are broken down into nine chapters, each of these holding several experiments on the theme. Each experiment is also numbered to make them easier to locate, and there's a glossary for terms at the end. And that's about it for the organization because the rest of this feels like an excited wizard's all-over-the-place wonder room. The experiments are placed in a scroll-like box with the steps clearly worded. Then, there are other areas of text on the page, where various science themes and information are presented (like molecules, atoms, water, temperature, and more very scientific, short explanations). Some of these are even found been flaps. All of this is worked around the full page illustrations, which carry all sorts of fun details and wizardy things. So, it gives a scattered-brained, whimsical atmosphere, which works nicely with the theme of the book.

The author begins with a list of things the reader needs, such as a magic hat, cape, and then, more specific things like spoons and such. Most of these items are found in many households with everything readily available in normal stores.  The directions for each experiment are only in text form, and while it would have been nice to have a little more visual guidance in some cases, they are easy to follow and understand. The experiments aren't overly difficult, which make them great for most readers to dive into, and some are unique and interesting. For those experiments, which might be a bit more dangerous, the reader is directed to have an adult's assistance. 

While enjoyment is kept front and center throughout this book, science facts aren't forgotten. These are a little deeper than I expected, so there is something for many readers to learn. The information hits various themes and fits with the experiments. Even this is written in a fun and understandable way.

The illustrations, as said, carry a sense of wonderful, chaotic fun in a positive way. The text works into and around these vibrant details to maintain the desired atmosphere. While the experiments are presented in typed fonts, the science end takes on a more handwritten-font, which was slightly more difficult to read at times. But it adds a sense of personal, caring flair. The flaps, which open up to show the periodic table and other goodness, but since I received a digital copy, I didn't have the opportunity to review that aspect.

This is a fun read for want-to-be wizards or those who enjoy science experiments. 

More information...

• Creator of DRAGONOLOGY: Amanda “A.J.” Wood is the brains behind the best-selling novelty “Ology” series, which have sold over 19 million copies worldwide, and includes DRAGONOLOGY and WIZARDOLOGY!
• Exciting Experiments: The book’s fun and accessible experiments use common items and ingredients found in most homes
• Blend of science and magic: Perfect for little wizards and budding scientists to do with the whole family
• Reminiscent of “Ologies” series: With interactive flaps and engaging illustrations, this feels like a worthy keepsake alongside “Dragonology” and “Wizardology”

If you head over to this link on Instagram, you can watch one of the experiments in action!!!