Perrywinkle's Magic Match

                               

      Perrywinkle's Magic Match written by Ross Martin Madsen and illustrated by Dirk Zimmer is an excellent magical book to read to  young students.  Perrywinkle's Magic Match  is a science fiction picture book. This book is about a boy wizard named Perrywinkle who tries to make a pet potion but it does not come out as expected.  Throughout the story Perrywinkle and Andromedia challenge each other on who has the best magic.  Who's magic is better?  Will it be the boy or girl?
   
     This illustrations are big, bright, colorful and funny. They contain lots of interesting detail that go along with the story.  Dirk Zimmer used quirky ink and water drawings to create the illustrations.

     On page 208 in Literature and the Child, it states that "an interesting story has well developed characters, an engaging plot, and an identifiable theme-all presented through a well crafted style".   Perrywinkle's Magic Match  is a perfect example of that statement.

     This book is suggested for six to nine year old readers.  I agree with this age because they are able to read alone.  The vocabulary is appropriate for the age group and this book is great for enhancing fluency.

      Perrywinkle's Magic Match  is one of my favorite children's book.  This book has a great story line and the illustrations are beautifully created.  I like how the boy and girl had a show down to prove who was the best wizard.  As you read the story you will find out that they both had some weird and crazy outcomes.  This is a funny book to read.


Motivational Activities:
1.  Have the students write a magic potion for something they would like to create.  Next, have the students write a magic spell.

2.  Have the student s choose some 25 words out of the story.  Have them fold a paper into 25 squares and write the 25 words on their paper in any order.  Play a game of Bingo with the words.

Reader's Response Questions:
1.  Who was Perrywinkle trying to make a pet for?
2.  Why did the pet not appear? Why?
3.  What was supposed to be the last word, "Pet appear, for my dad.  Pet appear you will be ____!".
4.  What was your favorite part? Why?


References:

Galda, L., Cullinan, B.E., & Sipe, L.R. (2011).  Literature and the Child.  (7th ed., pp. 12, 24).  Belmont:  Wadsworth Pub Co.

Madsen, Ross. (1997). Perrywinkle's Magic Match.  New York:  Puffin Books