Review Detail

5.0 1

The Wizard's Guide to Magical Experiments: 40 Science Experiments to Try at Home

Middle Grade Non-Fiction 1887

Bibbity Bobbity STEM!

November 30, 2025 (Updated: June 19, 2026)

Overall rating

4.3

Writing Style

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

4.0

Learning Value

5.0

While middle school students may no longer be obsessed with certain wizarding worlds, this book of "magical" science experiments will be a big hit with elementary school students whose parents probably still harbor fond feelings for them. This book offers a solid foundation of scientific fact, easy to do experiments, and an aura of magic, all from the creator of the Ology books (notice the glittery gem at the top of the cover?), which also have a strong nostalgic pull for readers of a certain age.

The two page spreads are well designed, and each one centers on a scientific topic; there is information about status electricity, water, states of matter, mixtures, air, fire, salt, crystals, acids, compounds, and my favorite, kitchen alchemy. Some of the experiments don't take very long (moving paper "ladybugs" with static electricity or making secret messages with wax on paper), but others take some preparation and patience, like making stalactites. There are warnings when parental involvement should be sought, although this book is probably best experienced with an adult presence to help procure needed equipment and supplies, and to help interpret the accompanying science information.

Good Points

Jo Rioux's illustrations (also seen on the covers of Judith Eagle's mysteries in the US market) give the pages a cozy, magical feeling, rather like I would expect a non creepy grimoire to look. While the experiments aren't really magical at all, there is a lot of reliance on wands, capes, and hats to give the instructions a magical quality. The addition of envelopes, flaps, and even a certificate of completion at the back gives this an even better interactive feel.

The most impressive part for me was the casual introduction of hard core science. There is a flap with the PH scale, and another with the complete table of elements. There's even a nice recipe for color changing ink made from boiled cabbage, and a whole brochure of Halloween experiments.

This book would be the perfect gift from an involved aunt or uncle who has time and space to devote to some of the more elaborate experiments, like dissolving egg shells in vinegar or making a lava lamp out of grains of salt, oil, and water. Including a lab apron and some goggles with this book wouldn't be a bad idea!

It's always good to get children involved in STEM activities, and the best way to do this is to tap into interests they already have. Depending on what interests your own budding Marie Curie, Smits' The Kids Book of Paper Love, Brunelle's Turn This Book Into a Bird Feeder, Connolly's The Book of Wildly Spectacular Sports Science: 54 All-Star Experiments or Roehrig's Rainbow Science would be good choices. If you have a child patiently waiting for their Hogwarts owl to arrive, The Wizard's Guide to Magical Experiments is the perfect choice.