The Wandmaker's Guidebook
by Ed Masessa
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Book Reviews of The Wandmaker's Guidebook
Book Review: Surprising
Summary: 4 Stars
My son begged for this book, which I thought would be a waste of money. I argued that we could find a wand on Ebay-- thinking that was the only reason he wanted the book. However, he studied every page like he was going to be tested on it later! Every little envelope or flap that opened inside the book was fascinating to him, and he carried it everywhere he went. I'm using the past tense when I write this, because the wand was screwed into the base too tightly and the base cracked and broke. The book is up on a shelf, waiting for me to find a replacement wand. The list price on this is almost $20, which makes me think they could have used better materials. The feathers are the bright primary colored kind you get for a buck in the craft aisle at Wal-Mart, and the "crystals" are little colored balls of glass in clear, brown and black. How hard would it have been to have added a dozen tiny little tumbled rocks that are actual crystals (rose quartz, lapis, etc.)? They're available on Ebay also-- for anyone who wants to upgrade their kid's wand kit. Despite the low-quality materials, the book itself is a really cool read for a kid who's into the subject. I'm always looking for something that inspires my kids to READ a book, not just flip through and look at pictures. After I replace the feathers with natural looking ones, the glass rocks with real stones, and the wand with one that's sturdier, it'll be a five star item.Book Review: Not the book, but the bookseller
Summary: 1 Stars
This was a book much wanted by my granddaughter so I turned to Amazon to find it of course. I scanned the selections and picked one that said in "good" condition by a well-rated seller. Amazon quickly assisted in filling the order and it wonderfully arrived in time for Christmas. On opening the package I discovered the book was in no condition to be given as a gift. Pages were loose and the spine was completely torn away from the pages. The cover was marred and terribly worn. I didn't expect a new book; but at least assumed it would be in a readable condition. The one I received couldn't be held and read at all. And, it was one of the higher priced selections!
I had to return it to the seller and received a refund. I have always been successful in finding "hard to find" items on Amazon and I'm sure I will continue to do so. This must have been a fluke; hopefully.
Book Review: Rave reviews from my young friend
Summary: 5 Stars
Even though I'm an elementary school librarian, I can't review this book any better than my young (10 year old) friend did after I gave it to him as a birthday present.
"Thank you for the Wandmaker's Guide Book!!! My friends and I have really enjoyed looking at the pictures and reading the captions. I've also really enjoyed reading the whole page at night. I have a friend who is also into magic. He has a book just like mine but it is about dragons. Since you have given me the book, he and I have really been linked to each other. Every day we eat lunch together and after school we get our books and study in my fort. Thanks again!
P.S. Next time I see you tell me where you got the book.
P.S.S. Also, remind me to give you a big thank you next time I see you."
Book Review: Entertaining and fun
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fun gift for a young Harry Potter or Wizardology fan. My 7 year old is enjoying the book immensely. Some parents might be worried about a "pagan" plaything like a wand, but most kids will simply have fun with the kit and learn a little something along the way. Although the "information" in the book is fictional, this is quite an erudite book, and parents who want their children to know something of world history may find this book a great starting point. I particularly enjoyed the reference to the "High Council of Aratta", and gave my son a lecture on Aratta in Sumerian literature, which he listened to with more patience that usual....
Most kids, brought up on a steady diet of cheap paperbacks, are also quite enchanted with beautiful books like this one, and the -ology books.
Book Review: Beautifully done
Summary: 4 Stars
I purchased this book because my granddaughter saw it at a book store and really wanted it. She is 5 years old and admittedly too young for the book but when she got it, she loved the notes and little items in the book that thad it special to her. She wanted me to read notes and discuss the stones. She spent at least 40 minutes with the book on a daily basis for at least two weeks. Now she spends less time with it but stll picks it up at least every other day. I think the layout of the book motivates her to learn to read while at the same time pressing her fantasy button.
While this book may not be for everyone I think the basic layout of books like this is inviting to children of all ages.