Barb Whiter

This is a great little book and magic kit for beginners, let's say for age 10 and up. There are 19 effects in the book that can be worked close-up. The durable props that come in the magic kit (Magic Wand, Magic Rings, Magic Rope, Dice, and Playing Cards) are used with 7 of the illusions. The other 12 tricks described in the book depend on props that can be readily obtained and prepared. A few of the preparations involve easily made gimmicks, essential to the tricks, but kept out of sight show more before, during, and after a performance.

Ms. Whiter begins by telling budding magicians how to prepare for a performance and put a show together.

To me, the most beautiful effect in the book is the Hypnotized Handkerchief. When "hypnotized," the handkerchief will rise slowly, do a pirouette, then fall just as slowly, with no threads attached. With a bit of choreography and soft background music, this illusion could be turned into a great routine for any performer of any age.

The most baffling effect in the book is Double or None. The audience sees a paper bag, a coin, and a playing card on the table in front of them. Slowly and deliberately, one at a time, the magician picks up the card and the coin, dropping each one into the bag. The bag is squeezed shut and shaken. After waving the Magic Wand over the bag, the magician opens the bag, reaches inside, removes the card, and, in an unhurried manner, puts the card in a pocket. The magician then asks the audience, "What's left in the bag?" They'll say, "A coin." The magician asks an audience member to pick up the bag, open it, and pull out whatever's in the bag. To everyone's surprise, the bag contains the playing card, not the coin, which has found its way into the performer's pocket.

This book is plainly written and colorfully illustrated. All of the moves are natural and simple. Before you know it, with Barb Whiter as your mentor, the careful reader and practitioner will be transformed into a Prestidigitator. show less