The Art of Magic

A pack of paints, a set of pens, and unlimited creativity throw two friends into an enchanted, fast-paced adventure.

ZuZu's first summer without her best friend is looking pretty grim, until she meets new kid Andrew at a visit to the historic Mapleton Mansion. Together they stumble upon some enchanted art supplies and discover that the shapes they draw and paint can come to life. Their creations are harmless—but ZuZu and Andrew aren't the only ones with access to magic.

Soon, nightmarish half-machine, half-living creatures begin appearing around town, controlled by a power-hungry "caster" with a sinister mission. It's up to ZuZu and Andrew to use their newfound abilities to protect their community.

"There are deliciously chilling descriptions of scuttling, otherworldly creations and resurrections gone awry, but there is also delight to be found in enchanted artwork and blossoming friendships. A thrilling introduction to a newfangled magic."—Booklist

"A satisfying, compelling adventure with an original magical construct and bright, appealing protagonists."—Kirkus Reviews

"The magical rules created by Voskuil feel exciting . . . . This creative fantasy will move well with fans of Tae Keller's When You Trap a Tiger."—School Library Journal

“"Zuzu is not looking forward to her first summer without her best friend who recently moved away. The hobbies they shared are not as fun to do alone. But when she has the opportunity to visit the historic Mapleton Mansion, she doesn't hesitate to go beyond the velvet ropes into the private rooms. While there, she experiences a meet-cute with a fellow student who feels just as out of place--the perfect ingredient to form a wholesome friendship. The pair stumbles upon enchanted art supplies that bring their creations to life. But when a villainous creator emerges, they will have to rely on friendship, artistic skills, and the unexpected development of their inner strength to combat the evil that wishes to consume their town. The magical rules created by Voskuil feel exciting and somewhat plausible within the characters' real worlds. Though the initial seed of the plot's conflict feels tenuous, the resolution and lessons learned overshadow the antagonist's questionable motivation. VERDICT This creative fantasy will move well with fans of Tae Keller's When You Trap a Tiger and Lorelei Savaryn's The Edge of In Between."--School Library Journal”

"[T]he reader will be drawn into the story though the fast-paced dialog and multiple points of view, all of which will keep them from wanting to put the book down. Students who appreciate stories involving magic will enjoy reading this book." —School Library Connection

Hannah Voskuil received a B.A. from Middlebury College in Vermont and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Emerson College in Boston. She is also the author of Horus and the Curse of Everlasting Regret. Her short stories have appeared in anthologies and textbooks around the world. She lives in New England with her husband and two children, in a house with books in virtually every room.

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