вЂњThis wonderful childrenвЂ™s book is filled with tender illustrations and a lovely story about a boy who is waiting for his turn at Friday Assembly where they have a вЂњSharing GiftsвЂќ portion. вЂњA respectful, wonderfully childlike introduction to ballet.вЂќ в… вЂњA sensitive storyвЂ¦ Barnett and Berube bring mastery of craft as well as an understanding of human nature.вЂќ в… вЂњItвЂ™s about the abundant and everyday courage of children, and it is also about вЂњsharing gifts.вЂќ John faces down his fear to share his gift with determination, beauty and a style that is all his own. The storyвЂ™s collective, omniscient voice and graceful illustrations, wonderfully reminiscent of The Philharmonic Gets Dressed, portray a community that stays open and curious-and a child who shares their effort with brave vulnerability.вЂќ в… вЂњEmploying sweet humor and sensory detail, Barnett and Berube convey the unexpected beauty of a school performance. вЂњChildren ages 4-8 will cheer as Zapfino tries to live up to his name in this funny and redemptive story.вЂќ - The Wall Street Journal вЂњWith its expert pacing and delightful details, this is a splendid collaboration between two picture-book greats.вЂќ - The Horn Book Review вЂњThis fun mini-adventure will delight kids as they pore over the illustrations and fill in story details with their imaginations.вЂќ Highly recommended for purchase.вЂќ - School Library Journal, Starred Review VERDICT This charming tale will have children of all ages spellbound. Children will revel in their role of filling in the wordless pages with their own tale of what is happening in ZapfinoвЂ™s life. But his circus training comes in handy in his new life as a toaster fiasco sets the building on fire and he, once again, must make a leap for his life! Readers will revel in FrazeeвЂ™s black-and-white drawings that transform the intense life-or-death story line to one of whimsy and hilarity. He retires to a seemingly quieter life as an elevator attendant in a high-rise building. Then he breaks the fourth wall, looks straight at readers, and disappears. In the beginning, readers see the fearless Zapfino climbing to great heights in his circus performance for an incredible leap.

в…вЂњBehold: The Great Zapfino!вЂќ In this nearly wordless tale, Barnett and Frazee depict the story of a former circus performer who decides to explore a safer form of employment.

в… вЂњWorked in pencil on matte film, FrazeeвЂ™s lightly smudgy comic line drawings convey relief, repose, terror, suspense, and, at last, Olympian-level physical skill in this droll comedy.вЂќ

The magic word by mac barnett