Magic by the Lake is a children's fantasy novel written by Edward Eager. It was first published in 1957 and is part of the Tales of Magic series. The book follows the adventures of five siblings who stumble upon a magical lake while on their summer vacation. The story begins with the Melendy children – Jane, Mark, Katharine, Martha, and Randy – arriving at the old and eccentric estate known as the Strand. They are excited to spend their summer in a new place and explore their surroundings. Little do they know that their lives are about to take an enchanted turn.
My mom had one mandatory author I had to love and that author was Edward Eager. Thankfully things worked out or who knows, I might have been disowned. But these books consumed me, as did the artwork by the amazing N.M. Bodecker. Sometimes aspects of a book have so inspired me I've tried to make them real. After reading The Time Garden I was obsessed with planting thyme anywhere my mom would let me in the hopes I'd be able to time travel. As an aside woolly thyme is adorable. I also would imitate Bodecker's style in my artwork creating a Romeo and Juliet comic in high school. The only problem is Edward Eager only wrote seven books, three duologies, two of which are linked, and a standalone. That is not nearly enough! I will always be eager for more! Yes, I know that's a groanworthy pun, but it felt necessary. Interestingly enough until a Christmas where I hunted up all seven first editions for my mother as a present she only had one of Eager's books, Magic by the Lake. This was chronologically the second book in the series though released third and followed Martha, Jane, Mark, and Katharine's further adventures as they went on vacation. While I always loved this volume because it seemed plausible on one of my many trips to Door County that I'd run into a magical turtle I think it was my mom's favorite because of a very bad vacation she took with her family. I don't remember what year it was but when my mom was younger the whole extended family rented a cabin and it was going to be the best summer ever, instead they were trapped inside all day by rain. The one picture that remains is a portrait in misery or great hilarity depending on if you're viewing it from my mother's POV or her dad's, the photographer. I believe that Magic by the Lake became her favorite Eager book because this was the summer vacation she dreamed of and never got.
The one picture that remains is a portrait in misery or great hilarity depending on if you re viewing it from my mother s POV or her dad s, the photographer. I fell in love with the book as a little girl; devouring the story of four kids who are lucky enough to end up living by an enchanting, wish-granting lake for the summer and rediscovered the charm when I was doing a bit of bookshelf spring-cleaning.
Little do they know that their lives are about to take an enchanted turn. While exploring the woods near the Strand, the children come across a beautiful lake called the Magic Lake. They soon discover that the lake has the power to grant wishes, but only on Wednesdays.
strange and random happenstance
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With this newfound knowledge, the siblings begin making wishes and experiencing magical adventures. They wish for everything from a pet dinosaur to a trip to Mars. However, they soon learn that the wishes sometimes come with unexpected consequences, leading to chaos and confusion. Throughout the story, the children learn valuable lessons about the importance of responsibility and the consequences of their actions. They also learn to appreciate the magic of everyday life and the power of imagination. Magic by the Lake is a whimsical and charming tale that captures the imagination of readers of all ages. Edward Eager weaves a delightful story filled with humor, adventure, and a touch of magic. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in their world. The book is written in a style reminiscent of classic children's literature, incorporating elements of fantasy, adventure, and morality. Eager's storytelling is engaging and lively, keeping readers eagerly turning the pages to see what will happen next. Magic by the Lake is a timeless tale that continues to captivate readers with its enchanting story and memorable characters. It celebrates the power of imagination and the magic that can be found in everyday life, encouraging readers to embrace their sense of wonder and explore their own world of magic..
Reviews for "Summer Spells: Unleashing the Magic of Lakeside Getaways"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "Magic by the Lake" as I had heard so many good things about it. However, I found the story to be quite dull and predictable. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. The plot felt rushed and the magical elements were underdeveloped. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John - 3/5 stars - "Magic by the Lake" had its moments, but overall, it fell short of my expectations. The concept of a magical lake sounded intriguing, but the execution was lacking. The story lacked a strong central conflict and the pacing was slow, which made it hard to stay engaged. Additionally, I found some of the dialogue to be forced and unnatural. While there were some magical elements that I enjoyed, they weren't enough to make up for the book's weaknesses.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Magic by the Lake", but sadly, it didn't live up to them. The writing style felt choppy and inconsistent, making it difficult to follow the story. The plot meandered and lacked direction, leaving me feeling unsatisfied. The characters were forgettable and their actions often didn't make sense. Overall, I found this book to be a struggle to get through, and I wouldn't recommend it to others.