Toni Biscotti's Magic Trick

Deborah Dowson is a Canadian children’s librarian living in Harvard,
Massachusetts.

Antonietta (Toni) Biscotti rashly volunteered to perform in the school
talent show. She doesn’t sing, dance, or play a musical instrument,
but when she saw the handsome Marco Pirelli put up his hand, she
couldn’t help herself and she put up her hand, too.

Toni turns to her beloved Nonna Maria for advice, and her grandmother
encourages her to go ahead with the show. Nonna has a book of magic and
teaches Toni what she knows. Toni practises every night and has a real
knack for performing magic tricks. She amazes her family and friends,
but most importantly she impresses Marco, winning his admiration and
friendship. Toni’s show is a phenomenal success.

This delightful First Novel, with its impulsive and passionate young
protagonist, is completely engaging. The language is as expressive and
lively as she is, and the story about love and magic is perfect for a
character with her personality. Many of the illustrations also emphasize
with panache the emotions of the characters they depict. Toni
Biscotti’s Magic Trick is sure to be a favourite with beginning
readers. Highly recommended.