Magic Thinks Big

Despite the title, this stylishly illustrated book is not about Laker great Magic Johnson. Even the beginning, however, suggests the point guard's choices as he drives down the court: "Magic contemplates his next move. Should he go in? Or Out? Or should he stay right where he is." Before I suggest that Magic loft up one to a soaring Michael Cooper for a "Coop-A-Loop," let's turn to the dilemma facing Magic the cat. Each of the above choices entails different benefits, and all of them are tantalizing to a cat generally hungry for adventure, sleep, and food. For example, if he leaves his home, "maybe he could chase the loons. He'd hunt them along the rock shore, stalk them through the reeds, leap after them, then eat them." (It looks like the loon just got away in time in the pictures showing Magic's fantasy.) Magic continues to ponder the possibilities; We see him envision swimming under the water to catch the brightly colored salmon, riding a moose to the bears' island, and sharing a meal of salmon and blueberry pie. This sounds good! But then again, "maybe not. Maybe if he stays right where he is, Magic's next move will come to him." And that's exactly what happens, as the big round cat gently falls asleep on the front porch. In addition to writing an imaginative story about imagination, Elisha Cooper's watercolor and pencil drawings are outstanding. His drawings recall those of Barry Moser with their soft colors, excellent depiction of light, and use of "white space." Cooper paints fairly realistically, but he also lets you see his watercolor technique as well. Much of the action is seen from the cat's eye level, but Cooper knows when to pull back to show you gorgeously illustrated panoramas of water, hills, and the cloud-adorned sky. Like most good daydreams, the book is both engaging and calming at the same time. This is a peaceful and beautiful book for story time and bedtime. Once again, a quality book from Greenwillow publishing. Very highly recommended!

This is a wonderful children's book that poses the adult question: do I go out and make things happen, or do I just live my life and see what unfolds?

From the illustrations that caputre the essence of a very large cat, to his whimsical, sleepy fantasies as he sits on the dock of his home - it's pure joy to read.

The funny story line, the wowie-zowie kitty thoughts and the just-right illustrations combine to make this book really delightful. I'm sure my cat would love to have me read it to her -- but she is too busy daydreaming.