BIBLIOGRAPHY
Könnecke, Ole. 2011. Anton Can Do Magic. Translated by Catherine Chidgey. Minneapolis, Minnesota: Gecko Press. ISBN 9781877467370
PLOT SUMMARY
Anton is excited to try out a few magic tricks after obtaining a “real” magic hat. At first his magic is not successful, but soon Anton is amazed at his new abilities. Readers will laugh as both Anton and his disbelieving friend, Luke, are tricked into believing that Anton really can do magic!
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Könnecke demonstrates that he is a master of simplicity in Anton Can Do Magic! He skillfully approaches the difficult task of conveying an entertaining and memorable story with minimal words and restrained illustrations. Each page contains bold, colorful, and thick lined artwork reminiscent of Charlie Brown cartoons. The simplicity of the text and artwork allows even beginning readers to feel success as they read, understand, and laugh at the engaging plot.
Although originally written in German, the story will fit perfectly amongst other childhood favorites in the United States. The skin and hair color, along with common Germanic and Polish names of the characters give clues to the story’s origins, but the story itself transcends culture. Children will feel quite intelligent when they realize what Anton and his friend do not- that Anton’s magic is merely happy coincidence. The book’s universal theme shows the benefits of daring to believe in oneself despite ridicule and in the process discovering who you are. In Anton’s case he dares to believe he can do magic despite what others say and in the process realizes the importance of treating friends with kindness.
AWARDS AND REVIEW EXCERPTS
2012 USBBY Outstanding International Book
Publishers Weekly: “celebrates kids' belief in their own abilities”
School Library Journal: “told with a spare, easy-to-read text; it's the illustrations that tell the true story and add much humor.”
CONNECTIONS
Begin an author study by reading one of Könnecke’s other books available in English. View the covers of several of his untranslated books and discuss the process of translating books.
Könnecke, Ole. Anthony and the Girls. ISBN 0374303762
Könnecke, Ole. The Big Book of Words and Pictures. ISBN 978-1877579059
Enjoy these similarly humorous picture books. Extend learning by leading discussions on how to read and write with expression.
Jeffers, Oliver. Stuck. ISBN 9780399257377
Gormley, Greg. Dog in Boots. ISBN 9780823423477
Willems, Mo. Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, ISBN 9780786819881
Shannon, David. Duck on a Bike. ISBN 978-0439050234
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