Review: Animal Magic Kit by Scholastic Ultimate Magic

As the name implies, "Animal Magic Kit" offers a series of tricks with an animal theme. Compared to the other sets in this series that I have reviewed, I think this is among the least. It is one of ten "Ultimate Magic Club " titles marketed by Scholastic.

Scholastic's Ultimate Magic Club magic sets are designed for kids between the ages of seven and 12. At a reasonable price of ten dollars and with a good mix of tricks, as well as a detailed and colorful instruction book and a DVD that shows performances of all the tricks, this is a decent magic set.

Magic Butterfly offers a fake fluttering butterfly that you can make appear from various places. The appearance and brief flight - we're talking maybe a second - is surprising. However, once the butterfly lands, spectators will see the butterfly for what it is, a wind-up toy, which destroys the magic. I don't think this is a trick appropriate for close-up.

Zoo Cards offers a mind-reading effect. Spectators look at various cards and select an animal, and then give you all of the cards that don’t contain their animal. With this information, you somehow identify their chosen animal. This is a great effect for kids that is easy to learn and perform.

Squishy Fish is basically a version of "sponge balls " but with fish. I'm not fond of this one for two reasons: 1) the props are ugly and 2) because this one requires sleight of hand, it's one that many kids will improperly learn and have trouble performing.

The last effect, Crawling Caterpillar is another great trick for kids. Here, a pet caterpillar crawls through your fingers. This prop is often sold in magic and joke shops.

The instruction book is colorful, informative and well written. The book also offers variations on the main tricks that you can perform using the props. The DVD is first rate with good production values.

I have a big problem with the book in that it talks about famous magicians from history and the tricks that they performed, and then describes the secret. This isn't instruction, it's outright exposure, and a huge mistake on the part of the kit's magic advisors. I am very disappointed.

At ten dollars, it's hard to go wrong with this magic set. The tricks are easy to learn and perform and almost everything is appropriate for the target ages. However, I like this one the least among the Scholastic magic sets that I have reviewed.

MSRP: (US) $10

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Dealers can purchase from Murphy's Magic Supplies, Inc.

This magic kit is available through limited retail and online outlets.