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The Magician and the Basket of Coloured Balls-bookcover

By: Granny

The Magician and the Basket of Coloured Balls

Pages: 34 Ratings: 5.0
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A wizard and his son live in a faraway land. The wizard has taught his son magic in the form of wizardry words but over the years the boy has become lonely as he has no friends. The wizard decides it is time for his son to become a REAL MAGICIAN in the big wide world so he gives him two special gifts.

Gill Cooper alias 'Granny' was born in Kenya, East Africa where she lived until the age of 12. She has also spent time living in South Africa. In the 1970s she was a PA in the city of London. She moved on to set up her own catering business followed by a very successful interior design business. Art has always been a passion and this is her first attempt at both writing and illustrating a book. The initial concept was to give her grandchildren an insight into her formative years in Africa but she felt it important to add a sprinkle of magic and vibrant colour.

Customer Reviews
5.0
12 reviews
12 reviews
  • Carol Gordon - Orr

    What is immediately striking in this lovely children's story is the outstanding illustrations all done by the author .
    The reader can see immediately the animal characters brought to life with their own unique design especially in their facial features.
    The story transfers the reader to the magical continent of Africa via The Magician ( whose father the Wizard bestowed this gift to him along with the wicker basket of coloured balls ).
    His adventure then begins working his magic with his basket of balls.
    I will not spoil this wonderful story by giving a full resume!
    The target readership is 3 to 8 years and without doubt will hold either the reader or the listener ( in the case of the lower age range ) completely entranced , captivated right to the end.
    It’s beautiful in its simplicity, coupled with the bright bold ( in some cases full page ) illustrations, with a thoughtful, kind reassuring message which is exactly what is required in a book targeting this age range.
    I understand “ granny “ is a new up and coming author and this is her first published book.
    It is to be hoped that a sequel will follow.
    I highly recommend this publication.

  • Janet Corrie

    A lovely read with fabulous illustrations. My granddaughters loved getting to know the animal characters and choose their favourite. A clever way of introducing Africa to the very young.
    Most enjoyable.

  • Dorothy Lee

    The Magician And The Basket Of Coloured Balls is an engaging and magical story illustrated by the Author with: beautiful, vibrant, colourful, quirky characters.

    In this book we are introduced, in an ingenious fun way, to the East African animal characters. These will become the friends and travelling companions of the Wizard’s son as he leaves home and begins the first of his magical adventures to become a REAL MAGICIAN.

    The story is thoroughly engaging, simply and beautifully told and will be enjoyed by all.

  • James Kent

    This is a brilliant book . My boys loved it. Full of mystery and intrigue. A lovely authentic story that engaged them from beginning to end.

  • Love these books. Wonderful story with beautiful illustrations. A fun way to hear about Africa. Thoroughly enjoyed reading them to my Nephews.

  • Margaret Melville

    My great nephews loved this enchanted story. It is beautifully illustrated by the Author bringing the animals to life. Colourful and charming, engaging young minds into a magical world.

  • Melinda Lynam

    WOW doesn't seem enough for this wonderful illustrated book .The vibrant colours has captivated my grandchildren into this magical world of Africa and the wonderful animals. Starts with the wizard son who wants to be a true magician and make new friends.It follows his journey and who he encounters on the way. The colours and the wonderful descriptions of each animal is truly amazing. The Authoress has such away with her writing, that draws the children in to Africa. You carnt put the book down till the end. My grandaughter especially liked the amazing vibrant illustrations. I would recommend this amazing book to anyone with children . Its fun ,interesting and they learn. So what not to like. SUPERB !!!

  • Suzie Dean

    This book is bound to catch children's attention with its vibrantly colourful illustrations and captivating story.

  • Susie B

    An extremely fascinating and enchanting book for young children. This book takes them on a journey of magic and friendship through Africa.The colourfully illustrated characters certainly capture the imagination and this debut story by Granny must surely lead to more adventures.

  • Sarah Bateman

    This book is TOTAL Magic in itself. My grandchildren aged between 4 and 11 loved the story, they were captivated especially with the colourful drawings. I too enjoyed reading it to them. My 7 year old who read it by himself asked me, Nana, is there another book?
    The author has engaged the imagination for all ages.
    The illustrations are so colourful and beautifully drawn taking in the African theme.
    There are so many children that do not know of the animals of Africa, all children loves stories of animals and Magic in any form.
    Such an amazing story, beautifully illustrated and great value.

  • Jeanne & Andrew Lakeman

    Never mind the grandchildren being captivated Dooo Doo (granny in our family) loves all the adventures and characters. Such happy memories of her time growing up in Africa and now, with Gills imagination and joie de vie , it brings it all alive for the 3 to 6 year olds!! We are hunting for giant tadpoles in our garden!!
    Many congratulations to the Author and Illustrator. Fabulous.

  • Joanna huntly

    This magical book is written by a lovely friend who grew up in Africa!! I it’s a truly imaginative read which takes u on a journey of a world of magic and creativity of animals in Africa and a magician and his magic balls showing a little snippet of life in Africa illustrating animals in a sensitive and tentative way!!! Well done !! Amazing!!

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