BACK COVER SUMMARY

   Grandma uses stories to teach and answer questions.

   Ty always has questions. When he asks Grandma what magic is, she asks him to tell the story of learning to swim.

   As Ty and Grandma paint the wall of an old shed, Ty learns that real magic can be like learning to swim and float. Something real changed when he practiced, faced his fear and let it happen -- real magic!

   As the story unfolds real magic can be seen as Ty and Grandma turn the shed wall into a magical garden.

   Ty begins seeing magic everywhere!

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"(Ty's grandma) helps him understand that real magic takes  place in the real world, when one overcomes fears and opens to possibilities . . .  Maya Mosley's folk-art-style illustrations resemble patchwork quilts, capturing the innocence of childhood. They are reminiscent of the collage work of Harlem Renaissance artist Romare Bearden."

The Maui News, Maui, Hawaii

"What is Magic? is illustrated in gorgeous detail . . .  The . . . images -- reflecting folk art design and African-American quilting styles -- are worthy of deeper study than just skimming through, revealing new layers with every viewing." 

Sky Barnhart, The Bookshelf, The Maui Weekly, Maui, Hawaii

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"What is Magic? artfully addresses how a chilld can learn to connect to his felt sense and empower himself to take different action. As grandma's shed is magically recreated into a beautiful garden, the inner life of the child transforms from confusion to confidence. The transformations seem effortless, as if created by magic. And yet the reader knows that the shed and the child's inner shifts emerge subtly as the pages turn through grandma and grandson's hard work. What is Magic? is a pleasure to read and the artwork is whimsical and fun."

Sherry Fisher, MA, MHS IV, Expressive Arts Therapist                    Naka Ima Studio, Maui, Hawaii

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"The dialogue between Ty and his Grandmother shows the positive relationship that can exist between grandchildren and grandparents, and the genuine learning about the world that can take place with a trusted elder . . . Because of the somewhat layered, intricate illustrations, readers will find something new they did not notice the first time . . . including the very subtle transformation of the wall of an old shed being turned into a painted mural."

Lois Ann Ell - special to The Garden Island, Kauai, Hawaii