The Return of Abracadabra by Michael Dahl

This is the second in the series about Hocus Pocus Hotel.  I reviewed the first one here:  Hocus Pocus Hotel.

I was lucky enough to win an ARC of the second book from Capstone (thank you).  It is being published this month, so watch for it.

I enjoy reading about the magic tricks they do and how they work.  What seems magical is usually an illusion of some form.

The master magician Abracadabra has returned to his hotel and decides to offer a magic show with competition.  His greatest rival shows up to participate and wins.  This sets the stage for a private competition between the two of them.  The winner takes all.  It takes more than just magic tricks to prove the real winner, though.  That's where Charlie and Ty fit in.

This author knows his subject matter and uses it well in his stories.  I also enjoy the friendship between old and young that's portrayed.  Children and elders have a lot to teach others in life and Mr. Dahl shows you how it can work.

This an enjoyable read that any young reader should enjoy.  Anyone interested in magic tricks will especially be attracted.  And check out the website for this series.  They have a magic trick video on there for card tricks!

Happy reading. 

Hocus Pocus Hotel by Michael Dahl

What do you do when the biggest guy in school gives you a note and tells you to meet him in the alley after school?  Charlies figures he doesn't have much of a choice, he goes to meet him and accept his doom.

Capstone Young Readers held a contest where I was able to snag a copy of this book (thank you).  It's available for sale now, so you can share the tale with your young one now.

First off, this has a touch of "Encyclopedia Brown" drama running through it.  Things are not always what they seem and Charlie can see through it because of his photographic memory.  We needed a new hero since Don Sobol is no longer around to carry along with E. B.

Another point in the story's favor (at least in my opinion) is that the hotel is a home for aged magicians.  The original owner has disappeared, there are ghosts and other odd happenings in empty hotel rooms, and it has the general feel of being haunted.

The note Charlie got was simply to set up a meeting with Tyler, who lives at the hotel.  He wanted Charlie's help in solving some mysteries within the Hocus Pocus Hotel.  Charlie is able to help, so Tyler invites him back again.

They maybe an unusual team, but they work together to find out just what/who is haunting the hotel and why.  The answer to that question is interesting and sets up the the premise for the next book in this series.

Here's the trailer for the book to tempt you further:  Hocus Pocus Hotel

If your child likes solving puzzles, this book will tickle them.  If they would like to learn about it, Charlies draws out his solutions and explains them.  You can't miss with this book.  Why not give it a read?

If you'd like to win my ARC, leave a comment here on my blog and email me at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you would like to read this book.

Happy reading.