Senning Ed.D, Cindy Post, & Post, Peggy. Emily's Magic Words: Please, Thank You, and More. Illustrated by Leo Landry. Collins, 2007. $15.99. ISBN 9780061116803. 32 p.
Reviewer: Holly Dickman
Reading Level: Preschool, Primary
Rating: Excellent
Genre: Informational books;
Subject: Etiquette--Juvenile literature; Manners--Juvenile literature; Books--Reviews;
Emily is a magician. However, she is not your typical magician. Her magic comes from a special source. It is Emily's words that make magic. Because Emily chooses to use "magic words" such as please, thank you, excuse me, and I'm sorry, she is able to "make smiles appear" and "fix a mistake." There are many various situations depicted in the pages showing the positive effects of using "magic words." The book ends with Emily revealing the most magical of all her magic words: the three words "I love you." This kid-friendly book shows the purpose of manners and the positive effects manners can have to toddlers and children in a fun an inventive way. The commonly used phrased "say the magic words" are creatively used with a twist. The character Emily is introduced as a girl who does magic. She wears a cape, a black top hat, and carries a magic wand. With each new page, readers can follow the stars, lightning bolts, and swirls that come from Emily's magic wand to the magic words that Emily uses. The word choice is simple, and the pictures reinforce the text, assuring that even young children will be able to understand the message the pictures and text portray. Brightly colored illustrations, colored text, and a young main character will quickly grab the attention of most children. Useful for a read-aloud and lesson on manners in a home or elementary school.
Volume 28, no.3 (Jan/Feb 2008)
