The Vanishing Coin (Magic Shop)



Last updated Friday, September 29, 2017

Author: Kate Egan and Mike Lane
Illustrator: Eric Wight
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 1250029147
Grade Level: 3rd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2017

Synopsis: Want to see something cool? I can make that quarter vanish. All it takes is a little magic… Fourth grade was supposed to be a fresh start, but Mike's already back in the principal's office. He's not a bad kid. He just can't sit still. And now, his parents won't let him play soccer anymore; instead he has to hang out with his new neighbor Nora, who is good at everything! Then, Mike and Nora discover the White Rabbit. It's an odd shop―with a special secret inside. Its owner, Mr. Zerlin, is a magician, and, amazingly, he believes Mike could be a magician, too. Has Mike finally found something he's good at?

Note to readers:
•  There are magic trick instructions throughout book, be sure to show kids.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What's your favorite magic trick?
•  Do you ever play jokes on people?
•  Do you know any riddles?

Vocabulary

•  Vanish- To disappear from sight
•  Strategies- Careful plans or methods to achieve a certain goal
•  Concentrate- To focus on what you're doing
•  Artificial- Not natural or real
•  Antiques- Something belonging to an earlier period
•  Riddle- A difficult question that is asked as a game and that has a surprising or funny answer

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why did Mike keep getting into trouble at school?
•  Who is your favorite character from the book?
•  What trick did Mr. Zerlin teach Mike?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a magic wand. Cut out stars using using construction paper and glue them on to Popsicle sticks. Have kids decorate them.
•  Check our craft ideas for October!
•  https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2017-halloween-magic-monsters/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!