Irving the Magician

Tohby Riddle (author/illustrations)

Viking, Penguin Books: 2005

ISBN: 0670896497

Genres: allegory, picture book, realistic fiction

Issues: creativity, family, friendship, hope, love, perspectives

CBCA Shortlist, 2006: Picture Book of the Year

Irving overhears a man on the street below his window bemoaning the loss of magic in the world. Taking him literally, Irving decides that he is going to single-handedly bring magic back into the lives of those around him, especially his Aunty Irma.

He studies hard from a book called ‘The Incredibly Marvellous World of Magic', that he found on a shelf in their flat. Irving is regularly beset by doubts, by the feat that it is too hard, that he doesn't have the ability. He persists, however, and when he invites all their neighbours for a special show on his aunt's birthday, Irving finds that magic is as much in the eyes and heart of the beholder as it is in the hands of the magician.

This is a charming story about hope, perception and love. Unfortunately, the illustrations do not entirely reflect the spirit of the story. The early pages certainly capture the muted colours of a world without wonder, the greyness of a city where people have stopped looking up. Although there are some subtle changes in lighting and colour as Irving's efforts bring joy and laughter to those around him, the illustrations are too static and confined. The white borders around the illustrations limit the readers' imagination and fail to lead them off the page, to relate what they are reading to the outside world. The later illustrations should be filled with vibrant colours and movement to capture the joy and laughter that Irving releases in those around him. Instead they suggest that the wonder is limited and will soon be again overwhelmed by the grey world outside.