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Title details for A Recipe for Magic Potion by Jack Henseleit - Available

A Recipe for Magic Potion

by Jack Henseleit
Natasja Horne
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available
A powerfully delightful picture book about childhood play and the enduring magic of our natural world, with a hidden search-and-find narrative to thrill readers young and old!
To make a magic potion, you will need these things:
A friend (or two or three)
A bucket or a pot
Or a hole
And – ingredients.

This dazzling story may seem like a set of instructions on how to brew a magic potion, the ingredients of which are familiar – mud, a leaf, some sand. But as the story unfolds, two children let their imaginations run wild as they take the reader on a glorious, lyrical journey outside.
Illustrator Natasja Horne's warm, lush exploration of the great outdoors will inspire and charm readers of all ages – and the most keen-eyed children will thrill at finding the mischievous pet lizard and other creatures on every glorious spread. Gorgeous, engrossing and unique, A Recipe for Magic Potion is a truly magical story that families will return to again and again.
"Whimsically nostalgic" –Publishers Weekly
Perfect for:

  • Toddlers and pre-school-aged children who love playing outdoors
  • Children who love collecting sticks, stones and feathers
  • Families who enjoy reading picture books with gentle adventure themes
  • Gift-givers and educators looking for a picture book that children can enjoy alone or with a grown-up

    • Creators

    • Publisher

    • Release date

      April 3, 2024

    • Formats

      • OverDrive Read

        • ISBN: 9781761441042

    • Languages

      • English

    • Reviews

      • Publisher's Weekly

        October 14, 2024
        Kids cook up an elixir for youthfulness in this whimsically nostalgic picture book. Opening instructions emphasize the simplicity of the assignment: “To make a magic potion,/ you will need these things:/ A friend (or two or three)/ A bucket or a pot/ Or a hole/ And—ingredients.” The ensuing list of elements, secreted “all over the world,” lean on nature, from “a pinch of grass from a neighbour’s lawn” to “a rock from the water, cool to the touch.” With pale, earthy coloring, Horne’s smudgy, naif-style artwork zooms in and out of scenes featuring a pair of
        children relishing their outdoor explorations. The recipe’s final combination of stirs, words, and wishes produces the desired magic—a long-lasting sensorial memory that prompts gladdening reminiscences. Henseleit and Horne summon whimsical visions of imagination-fueled outdoor play. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3 and up.

      • Booklist

        December 1, 2024
        Preschool-Grade 2 No matter your age, every reader is likely familiar with the machinations of creating magic potions in a natural area. Simply collect attainable objects like leaves, rocks, hose water, and flower petals and then combine and enjoy the magic that ensues. Henseleit and Horne capture the essence of this process in their how-to guide, recommending friends to create with, a sturdy container, and a plethora of ingredients. Quirky assets include mud cakes "served fresh," an ant-captained bark boat, flower petals that mimic analog clock times, and a nod to the "secret things" that might be unique to the potion maker's natural play area. Playful, sketchy illustrations feature two young friends and their dog and frog companions adventuring for magic potion components, casting magical incantations, and enjoying the results (thoughtfully excluding any mention of consuming said potion). Though the book doesn't adhere to the outdoorsy mantra ""leave no trace,"" adults sharing this title can surely supplement the idea. Gently concluding on the sweet memory of potions' past, this charming tale will make for an enjoyable read-aloud or guide for magic potion creation.

        COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

    Formats

    • OverDrive Read

    subjects

    Languages

    • English

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