Read, Write, Repeat.

“What if?”

“Why not?”

“Could it be?”

These three questions are hidden at the heart of many great books. But The Magician’s Elephant (Candlewick Press, 2009) by Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo brings them to center stage and takes their answers to new heights.

The book follows an orphan’s search for a sister he’s been told is dead. Lead by an unexpectedly appearing elephant, the boy encounters soldiers, magicians, sculptors, policemen, a nun and a noblewoman, who each have trials of their own.

It’s a moving, magical, sensitive tale of love, forgiveness, second chances and much, much more.

Here’s what Garrett, today’s reviewer, has to say.

Our reviewer: Garrett

Age: 11

Things I like to do: Play video games and read books.

This book was about: A magician trying to do a trick brings an elephant through the ceiling at the Opera House and a young boy seeks help finding his sister from a fortune teller. She tells the boy  his sister is alive and that an elephant will lead him to her.

The best part is when:  Peter found his sister.

I laughed when: It was funny when the elephant came through the ceiling, so I laughed.

 I was worried when:  The guy fell from the tower.

I was surprised when: The guy cried because he hadn’t had soup since his mother made it.

This book taught me: To believe in my dreams.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Funny.” “Sad.” “Entertaining.”

My favorite line or phrase in this book is: “I found you.”

Other kids reading this book should watch for:  They should watch for the twist and turns — like an elephant dropping through the ceiling.

You should read this book because: You will enjoy it.

Thanks, Garrett!

Want to learn more? You can:

• Listen to author Kate DiCamillo read the first chapter of this book.
• Visit a website totally devoted to the book.
• Visit Kate’s website.  It has information about her many books and her upcoming releases.
• Stop by illustrator Yoko Tanaka’s site.

And, if you’d like to learn more about Kate DiCamillo’s chapter book series featuring a toast-eating pig named Mercy Watson, read this Read, Write, Repeat review by Sonia.

Today’s reviewer: Sonia, 7.

What happens: There’s a pig that likes toast. She goes to the movies and tries to eat other people’s popcorn. Everyone tries to catch her, and then they go home and eat buttered toast.

The best part of the book was when: Animal Control Officer Francine Poulet caught Officer Tomilello with her net, and Leroy Ninker caught Francine Poulet with his lasso.

I was surprised that: Leroy Ninker had a job. I thought he was still in jail from robbing the Watsons.

I was worried when: Mercy ran away at the movies.

Three words that describe this book are: Funny, pigs and butter.

My favorite phrase in the book is: “Wonky. Wonky in the extreme.”

Kids reading this book should look for: The firefighter with the clown nose and the firefighter with the booty chin.

Reading this book taught me: Never, ever, let a pig in the movies.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sonia!

Want to know more? See what Kate DiCamillo has to say about this book on her Web site. Or what Chris Van Dusen says on his site.

If you’d like to read the book, visit your local library or bookstore.

Check back often for more kid reviews.