Review Detail

TIPS FOR MAGICIANS by Celesta Rimington is a beautifully written story about a preteen boy and how he copes with the loss of his mother. Harrison Boone wants to be a magician like his father, and he used to enjoy singing like his mother. But after her death, singing makes him sad so Harrison focuses his time and energy into learning magic tricks. With his father about to hit the road touring, Harrison finds himself being shipped off to live with his artistic aunt in a small Utah town called Muse. Can Harrison reconnect with his inner muse and find joy in life again?

What I Loved:
Harrison is a sweet and lovable main character. Multiple times throughout the story I wanted to reach into the pages and give him a hug. Even a year later, he and his father are struggling with the sudden loss of his mother. They aren't really ready to move on. It takes his father landing a new tour and forcing them out of their comfort zone to begin the healing process.

While Muse is a setting, it is such a fun, magical place. It was easy to see how Harrison could find healing and learn to move on here. Chloe and Marco, his new found friends, are delightful. I love that the author included Marco's stutter into the story. Harrison's empathy and how he handles it is a beautiful lesson for middle grade readers. The infusion of magic, art, and music make for a lyrical read. I love the tips that Harrison includes at the start of each chapter as he identifies what he needs/wants to remember.

Final Thoughts:
Lyrical and beautifully written, TIPS FOR MAGICIANS by Celesta Rimington will resonate with readers who have experienced grief and are interested in the arts.