Miss Kathleen's Staff Picks

I love Jan Thomas’ silly, charming books with her bold, colorful comic-style illustrations, from Rhyming Dust Bunnies to Is Everyone Ready for Fun?  Let’s Sing a Lullaby with the Brave Cowboy is her latest to date, and in my opinion, another hit. The cowboy of the title is actually not so brave; in his attempts to settle his cows down for the night, he interrupts his own lullaby with startled exclamations about what he imagines is lurking in the dark.  The cows calm and reassure him--until, that is,  something really IS in the shadows! What is it?  And does it like lullabies?  Find out!

Easily acted out, this comedy sketch of a story makes a great read-aloud for one or more readers; good for bedtime, storytime, or anytime. For those who love to sing as well as read and laugh, you can listen to and learn the Brave Cowboy’s Lullaby at JanThomasBooks.com   Or make up your own tune, partners!

Recommended for ages 3 and up.

April is National Poetry Month!  Celebrate it, the Fox Cities Book Festival, nature, too, with a sweet and simple poem by versatile author Marion Dane Bauer.  Its lines provide the text for this beautiful picture book, with intimate portraits of various wild baby animals and animal families by renowned nature photographer Stan Tekiela (one of the featured authors at this year’s Fox Cities Book Festival).  Tekiela captures on camera many young critters, from slow turtle hatchlings to a frisky cougar kitten; from a soft rabbit kit to prickly porcupettes; from little possums hitching a ride on mother's back, to a black bear cuddling with a cub.  His adorable photos, matched with Bauer’s verse, showcase not only basic differences among animals, but also the common bond of mother and young.  For this reason, I am issuing a CUTE OVERLOAD ALERT for this book.  Curious readers and nature lovers will enjoy the back-of-the-book facts about the animals featured in the photos, including the names for the young, as well as the track shape and pattern of each species.  The book received the Mom’s Choice Award.

Recommended for ages 3-6.

  “Line up every kind of plant and animal on Earth…and one of every four will be a beetle.”  So begins the Beetle Book by Steve Jenkins, a treasure trove of fascinating facts about beetles the world over, including information about body structure, life cycles, communication, defenses, and other beetle behaviors. Most interesting are the adaptations of particular beetles, such as the forest fire beetle, whose heat-sensing spots on its body can detect a fire from more than 20 miles away, and the leaf beetle, which produces a sticky substance that will glue shut the jaws of any ant who attempts to eat it.  Author/artist Jenkins uses great analogies to help readers understand the breadth and variety of the beetle world.  In describing the Australian tiger beetle, the fastest runner in the insect world, Jenkins states, “If a human could run as fast-for her size—as a tiger beetle, she’d be moving as fast as a jet airplane.”  While there’s no glossary alphabetical index, there is a list of all the beetles featured in the book, each with its scientific name and the place in the world where it can be found.

  In this book, as in his many others, Jenkins uses his artistry and masterful use of cut and torn textured paper to enhance the natural beauty of the creatures; his meticulous, colorful, beautiful collage illustrations, on plain white background for excellent contrast, are wonderful examples of art in science and science in art.  Although Jenkins stays true to the colors of the different species of beetles represented, observant readers and viewers will notice the rich patterns and details of the paper used in the artist’s creations. The illustrations are accompanied by captions in a casual handwritten-style font that lends a scrapbook-like quality to the book.  A few or many factual tidbits can be enjoyed at each sitting, inviting re-readings, as well as closer studies of the accompanying artwork.  The striking cover features two halves of a larger-than-life rose chafer beetle specimen, its legs forming a frame for the title and author text.  While many of the illustrations are larger than the actual beetles, for easy study, Jenkins provides silhouettes throughout the book that show the actual size of the beetles featured on the two-page spreads.  Other illustrations show certain beetles at actual size, whether small as a dot, or larger than a human hand.

   And speaking of actual size, another great Steve Jenkins book is Actual Size.  Published in 2004, it features different animals, or parts of them, shown in their true size, illustrated with Jenkins’ signature cut and torn paper collage.  Note: although Actual Size is available in E-book format through Wisconsin’s Digital Library, the print format is best for the actual “actual size” experience.  This is another great example of the many books authored and/or illustrated by Steve Jenkins, who uses his incredible talents to help others explore the wonders of natural science.  The author/artist's birthday is March 31st; celebrate by checking out his work!

 You can catch a glimpse of Steve Jenkins’ creative process in “Meet-the-Author” movies and slideshows from Teaching books.net, a resource database available through the APL website, and Infosoup online catalog.

The Beetle Book is recommended for ages 4 and up.

Meet Wendell, Wilmer, Willy Woody and Walter—5 bird-like juggler brothers who perform together in a hilarious stage show, while demonstrating basic math concepts such as counting, addition, subtraction and comparison.  The reader audience will learn as they laugh at the Wing Wing Brothers’ antics and comic appearance.  Parents and teachers will appreciate that the book meets the Common Core Standards for kindergarten mathematics; kids will appreciate the goofiness and fun.

Recommended for kids ages 3-7.

“Why do it?” I asked myself.  “Just months ago, you reviewed a book about a dog with a second chance at a happy life (Saving Audie by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent), so why do another so soon?”  “I can’t help it!” was my reply.  “I’ve fallen in love, and people in love can do foolish things.  So there!”

  The object--or should I say, objects--of my affection?  Ten dogs: Bowser the thief, clumsy Penny, Stick the scrounger, terrible Tyke, Cocoa the compulsive digger, EZ the runaway, rowdy Rowdy, nervous Sammy, free-spirited Free, overeager Meemo.  Each of them were either strays or “problem” dogs,  left at shelters and pounds, with slim chances of finding permanant homes, until they were discovered by a remarkable man, Luciano Anastasini.

  Luciano was born into a family with many generations or circus performers; the circus was his life and his home.  When a terrible accident ended his career as an acrobat and high wire artist, he had to come up with another act if he was to have a second chance as a circus performer, to remain in that world he knew and loved.  He imagined a dog act might be just the thing.  But rather than going to a dog breeder or pet store, Luciano searched in places like pounds and shelters, for dogs who needed a second chance as he did, and in whom Luciano could see potential.

  But Luciano was not an animal trainer.  How could he teach his dogs to behave and cooperate with each other in a professional circus act?  He began by taking care of the dogs, watching them, letting them show him what they liked to do, and finding solutions to the problems that affected their behaviors.  He taught the dogs tricks that played to their strengths, and found unique ways to fit each dog into a funny, fast-paced and adorable act.  Luciano Anastasini and His Pound Puppies learned from each other and built trust in each other, with results that have amazed and delighted circus goers and animal lovers alike.

 Simply but beautifully written, Muntean’s narrative is framed in bright, colorful shapes, and enhanced with perfectly charming illustrations by husband-and-wife photographer/ cinematographer team K.C. Bailey and Stephen Kazmierski.  From the forward by prize-winning author Kate DiCamillo, to a sweet, funny letter to the reader by Luciano at the end of the book, it’s satisfying reading from start to finish for a wide range of ages.  As DiCamillo put it so well, "...it is a story of second chances, belief, and love.  Mostly, though, it is a story of the miracles that can occur when we (dog or human) are extended the grace of being well and truly seen by another."

Recommended for ages 4 and up.

On August 28, 1963, almost 50 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his powerful and iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C.  The “Dream” portion of the stirring speech provides the narrative for this picture book, illustrated with inspired and inspiring paintings by Caldecott Honor Award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.  Nelson includes portraits of Dr. King in the historic Washington setting; idyllic scenes depicting King’s dream of people of different races working, playing and living in harmony, equality and freedom; and a panorama of various mountainsides of the nation where that freedom might ring.  The complete speech is printed in the back of the book.  A bonus feature is a CD with an audio recording of the speech as Dr. King delivered it that day.  Although listening to the voice of this great American leader, and looking at the paintings inspired by him are each great in themselves, it’s wonderful to listen to King’s “Dream” words while reading the text and enjoying Nelson’s artwork all together.   Whether noting Dr. King’s birth month, the 150 anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation (referenced by King in the speech), civil rights, or other topics of national importance; or looking for a good teaching tool for young readers, this book is a great choice.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

We’re in the midst of a white winter wonderland in Wisconsin.  But for those who long for something green, you’ll find it, in all its many shades, in this lovely picture book.  Author/artist Seeger combines simple rhyming text, lush paint-on-canvas illustrations and with cleverly positioned cut out accents, inviting readers to explore and enjoy the presence (and sometimes absence) of green in nature and in everyday objects. Readers will want to turn the pages back and forth for a closer look, talk about the objects they discover, and compare lime to sea green to khaki to cool fern.  Seeger’s work may inspire budding artists to create their own projects.   Beginning readers can master the text to satisfaction. Mostly, it’s a great book to share with a little one on your lap, on a cold winter day-- or anytime!

Recommended for ages 3 and up.

The state legislature has declared 12/12/12 “Aaron Rodgers Day” in Wisconsin, in honor of the Green Bay Packers star quarterback with the uniform number 12.  Young readers can celebrate the success of this remarkable athlete with two books added to the library’s collections this past year.

  Aaron Rodgers by Sloan MacRae, one of the “Sports Heroes” biography series by PowerKids Press,  focuses on the quarterback, his talent and passion for football, his early experiences, and his rise to success against many odds, proving wrong many sports experts and fans who counted him out as a truly great player.  Divided into several two- page sections, and peppered with trivia, statistics, and numerous photos of Aaron in action, all framed in green and gold graphics, the book will attract young fans.  It includes a glossary of football terms and other vocabulary-building words, as well as a web address for the publisher’s list of links to updated information relating to Rodgers and the Packers.

Another book, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers Super Bowl XLV by Michael Sandler, is one of the "Super Bowl Superstars" series by Bearport Publishing.  It focuses on Rodgers leading his team in an outstanding 2010-11 season, ending with a Super Bowl victory over another stellar team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The first half of the book gives some background about Aaron’s early life and career, his natural talent and leadership skills; his first years as a backup to Packer superstar quarterback Brett Favre, then as a starter with big shoes to fill after Favre’s departure; and the challenges he faced in proving himself to both fans and opponents in achieving the goal of success for himself and his team.  The second half of the book provides details of the exciting Super Bowl XLV game between the Packers and the Steelers on February 6, 2011.  With photographs from some of the more dramatic and important moments, and mention of the key players during the game, it’s a fun read for young fans.  This book also includes a glossary, and the publisher’s links to more information on the topic.  It can be found in both print, and in e-book format through the Wisconsin Digital Library. 

These books are recommended for ages 7-11.

With their bushy tails and acrobatic antics, squirrels are great fun to watch.  They’ve also been the subject of stories and poems for children over the years.  Back in 1871, Alexina B.White paid sweet tribute to those frisky, funny critters in her collection of poetry, Little Folk Songs.  White’s ode to squirrels has been given new, vibrant life for new readers with adaptation and additional verses provided by Susan Lurie, perfectly matched with beautiful, naturalistic photographs by Murray Head.  It’s been one of my new favorites for fall storytime, but can be enjoyed by young animal lovers any time of year.

Recommended for ages 3-6.

While not a ghost or Halloween story, Ballywhinney Girl is nevertheless haunting.  Maeve, a fair-haired Irish girl living in Ballywhinney Ireland, is in a bog with her grandfather as he cuts turf. Then Grandpa unearths something--no, someone--a small someone.  Shocked, Grandpa assumes it’s a boy, perhaps murdered a hundred years ago.  But he and Maeve later learn that it’s the mummified body of a young girl, a thousand years old, maybe more, once fair like Maeve.  Maeve feels a strange and strong connection to the bog girl, in a mix of fear, awe, wonder and empathy.  What brought her to that spot?  How did she die?  Beside the girl were flowers, a kind that still bloom in Ballywhinney.  Maeve could picture the girl picking the flowers, doing things that she herself would do.  So she can’t help but feel protective of the mummy, as scientists, officials, media, neighbors and other spectators converge on the bog, interrupting the peace of the girl’s longtime resting place, in order to investigate the discovery.

 Bunting’s flowing, free-verse narrative and McCully’s moody, intricate watercolors detailed capture the eerie events of the story and changing emotions of Maeve as she ponders the fate of the bog girl, her life long ago, and her spirit as well.

Just glimpses of the of the bog body--bony, shriveled and dark, leave readers to rely on the author’s description and their own imagination.  For readers who want to see and know more about real bog bodies, there is more information in back of the book.

Thoughtful, evocative, and somewhat spooky, this picture book is best for ages 6-10.

The cover photo of the chocolate brown pit bull puppy with soulful amber eyes drew me to this book.  Saving Audie is a straighforward but heartwarming true account of this dog, one of many rescued from almost certain death in an illegal dogfighting organization co-owned by NFL player Michael Vick.  Kept for many months in shelters as evidence against the wrongdoers, with only numbers instead of names, the dogs faced an uncertain future.  While many people thought the dogs were dangerous and damaged forever, determined members of animal rights groups saw the dogs as victims worthy of a second chance at life, and pleaded with the court to give the dogs that chance. Upon testing, all but one of the 49 rescued dogs were judged safe enough to be adoptable.  Members of the groups gave the dogs socialization training, fostered them, and worked to find them permanent homes with loving families.

Athough the author provides facts about the illegal ring, she doesn't dwell on it, but rather keeps the focus on Audie and the other dogs, their medical and social rehabilitation,  and their remarkable progress against many odds, including a segment about how Audie got his fitting name.

Colorful pages with text of varying sizes frame poignant, sweet and often funny photographs of Audie and dog friends, as well as the people in their lives.  The book also provides lists and links to more information about pit bulls, animal organizations, dog care, and updates on the "Vick Dogs."

This real story of love, hope, determination and redemption can be enjoyed by almost any age; recommended for ages 6 and up.

This review is dedicated to Howdy and Midnight.

This is a goofy book, a fast and fun read for young graphic novel fans.  Ace and Bub are beaver brothers, who enjoy life on Beaver Island.  While Ace prepares for the Beaver Island Surfboard Competition, his board is suddenly stolen by strange penguins, who escape to the deep waters offshore.  In hot pursuit, Ace gets only a glimpse of their underwater hideout, but he knows that the penguins are up to something, and it doesn’t look good.   Without his surfboard, he can’t hope to beat the island’s brawny hot shot, Bruce.  So Ace and Bub decide to do some deep-sea diving of their own.  Meanwhile, Bruce is out to sabotage Ace’s efforts in the surfing competition.  Will Ace get his surfboard back?  Can he and Bub figure out the penguins’ evil plan, and save Beaver Island from disaster?  Will Bruce keep Ace from winning the surfing competition?  These questions, and more, are answered with humor, action, and two penguins named Bob.  The artwork is simple but full of life, the story full of sight gags and kid-friendly jokes. 

Readers who enjoy this book may enjoy The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Fishy Business, also released this year.  For more information about the author, visit:  http://www.maxwelleaton.com

Great for reading alone for out loud!  Recommended for kids Grades 1 and up.

It’s a big universe out there, and information about it can be overwhelming. Teacher and author Mark Weakland helps to make sense of the nature of asteroids and comets in this graphic novel-style book from the “Graphic Library Adventures in Science” series by Capstone Press.   Text boxes chock full of information on these objects from space are framed and complemented by cosmic cartoon panels by artist Carlos Aón.   Different aspects of nature of comets and asteroids are covered, including what they are, what they are made of, their impact on the solar system, and earth (and dinosaurs) in particular, what people in earlier civilizations thought about them, and what and how scientists have found out about them.  The author also raises questions about the future of space observation and exploration for readers to ponder.  The information is organized into chapters, making it even easier for readers to take in.

Recommended for Grades 3-6

Are you looking for games to play and music to listen to while on a car trip this summer?  Or perhaps you want a new project while waiting for school to start again?  OR are you a “Fancy Nancy” fan who longs to add some new words to your vocabulaire extraordinaire  Français?  Try these audiobooks, available on the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium’s Overdrive Digital Downloads Collection, which can be found through the InfoSoup online catalog.

 “French on the Move for Kids,” developed by Catherine Bruzzone, features fun and catchy songs, both original and traditional, that teach basic but relevant words on topics such as numbers, colors, family, holidays, school, animals, weather, and food (“The Pizza Song” is one of my favorites). Before each song, the narrator asks a question that the listener may answer by listening carefully to the lyrics.  The answer is revealed when the song is over. There are also a number of games throughout that help kids develop vocabulary, basic grammar and conversation skills.  In addition to the vocabulary, listeners hear the pronunciation of several typical French names.  Much of the program is spoken and sung by people with real French accents.  Only 50 minutes long, it’s easy to listen to a little or a lot at one time, process, practice, and build basic skills without being either overwhelmed or bored.  Available in Windows Media Audio format, it is down and up-loadable on windows media and ipod devices, and can be burnt to a CD for further use.  There is a “Spanish on the Move for Kids,” as well as an “On the Move” series for older listeners.

Cupcake’s life is full: he runs a bakery, plays drums in a band, and enjoys city living with his best friend, Eggplant.  Even so, Cupcake is in a bit of a creative slump, and he longs for—well, something more.  Meanwhile, Eggplant is invited to visit Aunt Aubergine in Turkey, who happens to work with baking celebrity Turkish Delight.  Eggplant wants Cupcake to come along. How can Cupcake raise the money to travel to Turkey and meet his idol?  With a bake sale, of course!  The two friends devise a plan to make their dream a reality.  But life is full of twists and turns, leaving Cupcake to decide what matters most in it all.

Everyone will find something to giggle about with this great CD, one of many produced in celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the“Music for Little People” Company.  From great action songs like Raffi’s “Shake Your Sillies Out,” and “Everyone Loves to Dance” by Aaron Nigel Smith; funny story songs like “I’m My Own Grandpa,” sung by the late great Chet Atkins, and “My Name is Cheech, the School Bus Driver” by comedian Cheech Marin; new treatments of old favorites such as Tom Glazer’s “On Top of Spaghetti,” sung by the Persuasions; and other great tracks by Buckwheat Zydeco, Taj Mahal and Linda Tillery, Maria Muldaur, Dan Zanes, and the Music for Little People Players.  Music and laughter go together well--check this out and hear for yourself!

 Fun for all ages, especially 3-8.

Author/artist Loren Long’s sweet and spunky little tractor, Otis, is back for another adventure—and what an adventure it is!   Otis spends many a summer day playing “Follow the Leader” with all the farm animals—all, that is, but the big, ornery bull that snorts and charges at anyone who comes near.  One day, the sky suddenly turns stormy, dark, and green, and the farm-folk scramble for shelter, with no time to tend to the animals.  The reason: a tornado is coming!  Otis springs into action with a clever idea to help his animal friends, as the twister bears down.  Can he save them all?

Uh-oh! Little Owl has fallen from the nest and cannot find Mommy! With the help of a dizzy but well-meaning squirrel, Little Owl sees many animals with some of the same traits as Mommy Owl, but that are definitely not her. Whooo--I mean, who-- knows where she is? Originally published in Europe with the title A Bit Lost, this book features gentle humor, charming animal characters and simple landscapes in bright colors with contrasting earth tones. It's great for reading aloud, with enough of a pattern to make it good for beginning readers as well. It’s been storytime-tested and approved, and has become a favorite with some folks!

 Great for ages 3-7.

This review is dedicated to Maisie.

Tommy is not one of the cool kids in his school, but of all of his classmates, the weirdest has to be Dwight. When Dwight comes to school with a folded paper finger puppet resembling Yoda from “Star Wars,” it’s strange enough; but when he starts giving his classmates advice, tidbits of insight and wisdom--or correctly predicts happenings like pop quizzes--in screechy Yoda-speak, while holding the origami puppet, Tommy takes notice. Does Origami Yoda have mystical powers, or is he just a “paper wad” as his friend Harvey says? Is Dwight not as dorky as he appears to be? As Tommy watches kids come to Dwight/Origami Yoda with their questions and problems, he has his own to ponder: does the girl he likes like him back? He’s afraid to find out on his own, but can he trust Origami Yoda to guide him? To help him decide, he collects accounts from friends and classmates of their experience with Origami Yoda’s “powers,” and puts them in a “casebook”, complete with comments from himself and his friends and plenty of doodle-type illustrations.  It’s “Wimpy Kid” meets “Star Wars!” Can it get better than that? Yes, it can! Included are instructions for folding a simple version of Origami Yoda. (I made my own, as you can see!) With that, plus the more complex paper Yoda pictured on the cover, the kid-friendly fonts and the doodles, it’s sure to attract younger readers. But middle graders will better understand the humor and references in the plot, and relate to the situations Tommy and his classmates describe in their encounters with Origami Yoda, their teachers, and each other. For fans of the book, there is a sequel, Darth Paper Strikes Back. This review is dedicated to Ronan.

This picture book surely lives up to its name. Not only is its story about a square, it is square! The book's shape is just one of many creative details that make this book so delightful. And it is just about perfect, too, with a clever but simple story, a good message, and colorful, playful, beautiful illustrations by artist and author Michael Hall. A perfect square is happy being just that, square and perfect. But when it is suddenly cut, torn, and otherwise changed, the square finds new happiness in adapting to each of the changes and transforming into other beautiful, more complex shapes.

Its gentle adventure would make it good for reading to preschoolers and up; its imaginative illustrations, and message of adaptation to change, would make it ideal for use in an art class, book discussion, or for inspirational reading for all ages. While an original work, it is in the same spirit as the works of Eric Carle, Leo Lionni and Lois Ehlert. Another wonderful, visually stunning book by Michael Hall is My Heart is Like a Zoo.

Young Liz is excited to be on her first hunting adventure with her dad who has just returned home from war; but she is also uneasy: her father has been gone so long that he and she are practically strangers. There are other things to get used to also: her new, too-large plaid flannel shirt from the dry goods store, the unfamiliarity of the breakfast fare on the menu at the diner, and the chilling changes that November brings to the woods Liz walks with her father, who, with gun in hand, is intent on killing the crows who have been eating the farm crops. Liz has been put in charge of luring the crows with a crow call whistle. It makes her sad to think that the crows will have to die, and she confides this and other feelings to her father as they make their way through to a hillside clearing. When the time comes for calling the crows, Liz is so delighted interacting with the birds that have gathered that her father holds his fire to share in her delight.

Based on a true happening from the author’s childhood, this story is set in 1945, but will be relevant to modern-day children whose parents return from service or other long-term absences and must form bonds again. The beautiful illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline are rich in detail and atmosphere, with muted tones that reflect both the seasonal setting and the nostalgic tone of the narration.

In picture book format, this story would make a read-aloud at home or in a classroom, as well as a good selection for primary independent readers and up. Older adults may enjoy it, too, and it could serve to spark memories and stories of their own, to share in a family or other group setting.

Fudge and Einstein, two charming, raisin-loving pet ferrets, are in trouble! Their owner, Andrea, is cat-sitting for a friend, and Marvel, the visiting cat, mistakes the ferrets for tasty rats! Fudge and Einstein must come up with a plan to save themselves from being Marvel's "ferret fritters fur-ever."

This funny story has bright, lively, comic book-style pictures by Paul Rátz de Tagyos. Although it would make a fine read-aloud for pre-readers, independent readers would love it too; more than two or three readers together could have some fun taking the parts of the different characters!

The middle child between two sets of twins, Miri feels overlooked and out of place even in her own family. Not only that, but, unlike most of her friends, she still likes to play pretend games and still wants to believe that magic is real even though nothing magical has ever happened to her. Miri and family have just moved into an old house, and her small bedroom, with its worn and ugly wallpaper, seems strange to her. Sent to her bedroom after hitting her brother, Miri discovers a glasses lens taped to one of the walls. Looking through the lens, she is suddenly pulled back in time to the house as it was in the year 1935, and discovers Molly, a girl very much like her, who longs for magic to save her from her abusive relatives. Upon meeting, the girls share a moment of joy when they realize magic is indeed real. But the magical twists and turns of events have created problems for both of them. Will Miri be able to get back to her own time? Will she ever see her family again? Will she be able to help Molly escape from her horrible cousin Horst? Is Horst a thief? A killer?

 With its good blend of fantasy, drama, mystery, history, humor, and realistic and interesting characters, this story will be especially appreciated by girls ages 8-12. Fans of the author’s “Ivy and Bean” series may enjoy the change of pace that the plot offers.

 As a girl, Annie Barrows loved stories that “mixed magic with the plain old world” as she herself put it. If you read and enjoy the Magic Half, you might want to try Half Magic by one of Ms. Barrows’ favorite authors, Edward Eager. Get more information about Annie Barrows and The Magic Half.