Glamorizing magic is nothing new in the world of entertainment and fiction. From ancient times to modern-day, magic has been depicted as a fascinating and awe-inspiring art form. The allure of magic lies in its ability to captivate and astonish audiences, transporting them into a world of wonder and mystery. Magic tricks are often embellished with a touch of glamour to enhance the theatrical experience. Magicians rely on various techniques such as elaborate costumes, mesmerizing stage setups, and dramatic music to create a magical ambiance. These elements work together to create a sense of excitement and anticipation, keeping the audience spellbound throughout the performance.
That’s when William noticed something else a little fishy, a little out of the ordinary, a little. magical. Through the kitchen window, a flock of pigeons that had just taken flight were floating absolutely still in mid-air, as if they’d been stunned by a freeze-ray that had glued them to the air itself.
And, if Christmas with your dad really is as bad as you think, then it will be over in the blink of an eye, it always is, and then we can start looking forward to next year when we ll all be together. It also touches on consumerism and corporations, and how their money-making ploys stop children from believing in Santa and all the festive traditions that children should believe in, because they can just get their toys from big shops instead.
These elements work together to create a sense of excitement and anticipation, keeping the audience spellbound throughout the performance. One aspect of glamorizing magic is the use of props and accessories. From top hats to crystal balls, these items add a touch of elegance and mystique to magic acts.
The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch by Tom Fletcher – Book Review
Now, William is about to be swept back to the North Pole, and meet the icy, mysterious and magical Winter Witch, whose power to control time allows Santa to travel all around the world on Christmas Eve.
And when William learns that the fate of Christmas hangs in the balance, he and the Christmasaurus must risk everything to save it…
Title: The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch
Author: Tom Fletcher
Publisher: Puffin
Date: October 3, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
A couple of years ago, I read The Christmasaurus and completely adored it. I read it in a couple of days, gave it 5 stars, and vowed to read it every year at Christmas because it made me feel so festive and jolly. I don’t often review children’s or MG books, but these are an exception!
(Then when I went to YALC last year, Tom Fletcher signed the book and wrote “Merry Christmas”, so that made it even more special! This year I completely forgot it was signed, so it was like a nice surprise when I opened the book.)
When Tom announced the second book would be coming out, I was so excited. I love to read a good festive book at Christmastime, and what’s better than a fun story of a boy traveling to the North Pole to see his new best friend, a dinosaur called the Christmasaurus?!
The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch
In this second installment in the Christmasaurus series (I hope there will be more than two!), we’re reunited with William Trundle and his family, which has grown since the first book: there’s now the addition of his dad’s new girlfriend and her daughter, and they’re all living together in the same wonky house that I loved so much from the first book.
Bringing two more people into the Trundle family added a great dynamic to the story, especially when you remember the conflict between the characters in book one. (I won’t tell you anything more in case you haven’t read it yet!)
The story begins with a prologue, just like the first book, but with a twist. The Christmasaurus began by going way into the past to tell us where the Christmasuaurus came from, but The Winter Witch flies us way into the future to give us a glimpse at what’s to come later on in the story: a world with no Christmas!
The whole world seems to have been taken over by a corporate company who have sucked Christmas from the world entirely. It really sets the story up well and makes you want to race through the book to find out how the world got so bleak.
There was one prominent thing I noticed in this book compared to the previous one: at times, it feels so much darker. The story takes some dramatic turns and the adventure the Trundles go on feels so much more complex and dangerous than their previous journey to the North Pole. This time, they’re faced with issues that, as we got a glimpse of in the prologue, could end Christmas forever…
It also touches on consumerism and corporations, and how their money-making ploys stop children from believing in Santa and all the festive traditions that children should believe in, because they can just get their toys from big shops instead. It’s a clever way to make sure that children reading this book hold on to their belief of Santa and all things magical.
There’s also a time-travel element in this book, and we see William go back in time to try and save Christmas. There’s a poignant moment where he sees his mum, who died in a crash when William was a baby (the same crash that made William have to use a wheelchair), and he has a brief conversation with her before having to leave her behind again.
Why you and/or your child might like this book
You’ll love The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch if…
- You like fun, fantastical stories set at Christmastime
- You want to read something that will make you feel festive and cheerful
- You love a quick read that you can fly through in a few days
- You have a child whose belief in Santa is wavering, and you want a story that will encourage them to hold onto their belief
- You like stories with dinosaurs, Christmas, elves, magic Christmas beans, and with great character development and complex story arcs (even in a children’s book)
TL;DR
The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch is a perfect follow-up to a magical first book, and explores slightly deeper themes while keeping its innocence and festive cheer. Perfect for adults and children alike, it’s a heartwarming story that is guaranteed to make you feel the Christmas spirit!
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‘Dad’s place it is!’ Brenda sighed.
The manipulation of these props further adds to the illusion and leaves the audience in awe of the magician's skill and dexterity. More recently, the world of magic has seen a rise in the use of technology to glamorize magic tricks. Digital effects, holograms, and augmented reality have all become tools in a magician's arsenal, allowing them to create even more stunning and immersive experiences for their audiences. These advancements in technology have not only glamorized magic but have also expanded the possibilities of what can be achieved, pushing the boundaries of the art form. Beyond the stage, magic has also been glamorized in popular culture through books, movies, and television shows. In these mediums, magic is often portrayed as a glamorous and mystical practice, with magicians depicted as suave and enigmatic individuals. This portrayal adds to the allure of magic and fuels the fascination people have with this ancient art. However, it is important to remember that the glamorization of magic is just that - glamorization. It is the result of creative storytelling and theatrical presentation. Behind the sparkles and grandeur lies a world of practice, dedication, and skill. The true magic of magic lies in the intricacies and craftsmanship that goes into perfecting each trick and the ability to create wonder and joy for an audience. In conclusion, glamorizing magic adds an extra layer of mystique and allure to an already fascinating art form. It captivates and enchants audiences, transporting them into a world of fantasy and wonder. Whether through the use of props, technology, or storytelling, the glamorization of magic continues to captivate and inspire audiences, making it a timeless and beloved form of entertainment..
Reviews for "Capturing Hearts with Glamorous Magic: The Art of Storytelling through Illusion"
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