Parents' Guide to

Magic Thinks Big

By Marigny Dupuy, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 3+

Humorous look at enigmatic nature of cats.

Book Elisha Cooper Picture Book 2004
Magic Thinks Big Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What's the Story?

Magic the cat is quite rotund and very still. Sitting neither in nor out of the doorway (or both in and out of the doorway), he ponders what to do next. Without moving a muscle he considers a variety of actions ranging from getting more food, to chasing loons on the lake, to an adventure involving catching a salmon and riding on the back of a moose to bear?s island to pick blueberries. Not surprisingly, because he is a cat and utterly content simply to be, he does none of the above and remains exactly where he is, sitting peacefully neither in nor out of the doorway.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

With a cat for the main character, minimal text, and beautiful watercolor artwork that conjures up a summer day in Maine, this droll story is well-suited for very young children. While being still like a cat may not come naturally to children, they certainly know about the power of the imagination. They will be amused following Magic on his imaginary adventures, but may need to have it pointed out that he, in fact, never moves an inch. The solution to his dilemma of whether to act or not to act is a foregone conclusion.

To make this appealing story even better, there is a photograph of the real Magic on the back cover. Magic "weighs eighteen pounds, and he likes strawberries and sitting by the lake." This book will be a treat for cat lovers.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about imagination. Do you think Magic really believes he might have a grand adventure, or is he just enjoying making it up in his head? Take a look at the world from your own doorway, and use your imagination to think of what might happen if you go out.

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate