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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Oscar Wilde once said, “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken,” and this very heartfelt story, Magical Things by Katie Laprade, truly embraces that message. The book gently follows a child’s journey to discover what makes them distinctive, from a funny streak “like an old circus clown” to kindness “like a friend to a friend.” Using cheerful rhymes, ordinary traits and simple acts are presented as something magical. The audience is invited to explore lessons in self-acceptance as the main character realizes that being true to oneself matters more than being perfect. Each whimsical moment encourages young readers to imagine their own extraordinary qualities. This story celebrates individuality and is ideal for any youngster learning to appreciate themselves, just as they are.
Reading Magical Things by Katie Laprade, I found myself smiling at each reaffirming line and charming quip used to show how someone is special. As an educator, I appreciated the tone, which is warm, friendly, and reassuring. The structure lets kids recognize themselves in each trait described and consider their own uniqueness. Laprade’s writing style is almost lyrical, yet precise at the same time, making the text easy to read aloud. I think reading it in a classroom would bring on conversations about talents, differences, and what makes students one-of-a-kind. The illustrations by Prexie Beland enrich the pages. The playful artwork uses colors that effectively convey the gentle yet empowering message. As a children’s book, Magical Things is a fantastic choice for bedtime or classroom reading, as it embodies the wisdom of Dolly Parton: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”
