A 5-Star Review for Magical Max and Magical Matthew

5.0 out of 5 starsThe magical wonder of childhood

ByDonna M. McDine on September 23, 2015

Format: Paperback

The Magical series by award-winning children’s author, Penelope Anne Cole continues onward with another spectacular journey, this time Magical Max and Magical Mickey.
Siblings Matthew and Mea are intrigued and concerned at the sudden announcement for a family meeting. The two once magical siblings speculate as to what the meeting could be about. Stunned by the announcement of their mom’s pregnancy and impending birth of twins raise their concern that their soon to be new siblings will have magical powers as they once did. For you see, they worked hard with their Grandma Nonie to hide their once magical powers from their parents. What will happen with Matthew off at college, Mea busy with middle school and Grandma Nonie not as capable of all she once did? Will chaos ensue? Or will all the worry be for naught? Find out, as the newly expanded family takes a journey of discovery.

Penelope Anne Cole has crafted yet another “magical” story to churn the creative minds of our young muses.

The spectacular illustrations of Kevin Scott Collier create a wonderful aging process for all the characters.

NOTE: I do not receive monetary compensation nor any other incentive for my reviews.

TWO 5-STAR REVIEWS ON AMAZON

 

5.0 out of 5 starsTeaches a Valuable Lesson in a Kid-friendly Way

ByKevin McNamee "Author & Poet"on September 8, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

Magical Mea is a second grader who needs to learn how to use her magical powers. But she keeps putting off her magic lessons. Between setting up play dates, study dates and shopping trips, Mea makes it clear that she doesn’t want any magic lessons. Her brother Matt and friend Lily finally come up with a plan to teach Mea how to use magic whether she wants to or not. After school, they meet Mea to walk her home and test her on how she could fix certain items without being seen. It turns out that Mea is so good at using her magic that even Matt and Lily don’t see her fixing anything. So Magical Mea passes her test with flying colors and later on, her magic saves the day.

Ms. Cole’s chapter book teaches a valuable lesson about not avoiding responsibility in a kid-friendly way. Prolific illustrator Kevin Collier artwork give a warm, comfy tone to this story. I think this is a great book for any child who is moving from picture books to chapter books. This book also explains what goes on in the beginning of the school year, so it may also help with any “first day of school: anxiety that may arise. I think that Magical Mea Goes to School would be a fine addition to any school or home library.

 

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5.0 out of 5 starsA Delightful Magical Story

ByKarin Larsonon September 7, 2015

Format: Kindle Edition

Magical Mea Goes to School, written by Penelope Anne Cole and illustrated by Kevin Scott Collier, is a continuation of the story and engaging characters we met in Ms. Cole’s Magical Matthew and Magical Mea books.

Mea has struggled in the past to use her magical powers for good and had to learn not to be such a trickster with her powers. Now starting 2nd grade, Mea’s brother, Matthew, his friend, Lily, and Grandma Nonie are concerned Mea won’t keep her powers “fixing things” secret and feel she needs additional training. Mea has other ideas and wants more play time so over-schedules her after school hours to avoid her “lessons.” Not that the others should be concerned. Mea shows she is perfectly capable of using her “trickster” magic for good all on her own to “save the day.”

Ms. Cole is wonderful at teaching lessons in a fun way without adult intervention and embeds important messages (“I know I helped them and that’s enough”) in a relatable and fun story kids will love. Kevin Scott Collier’s vibrant illustrations are terrific and expressive and really bring Ms. Cole’s story and characters to life.

 

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