Hocus pocus
Ray Broekel
Hocus pocus
Age Rating, Reading Level & Content Guide
Magic You Can Do
by Ray Broekel
The text is written at a 2nd grade reading level, the subject matter is intended for younger children (ages 5–8), and the content is gentle with no concerning themes.
We may earn a commission from these links. Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores with every purchase.
About This Book
What if you could learn to amaze your friends with magic? Imagine pulling off incredible tricks with just a few easy steps and a sprinkle of practice. But can you master the secrets of timing and misdirection to become a real magician?
Themes
Quick Assessment
This beginner-friendly book introduces children ages 5-8 to the basics of magic tricks, offering step-by-step instructions for twenty simple illusions. It also includes helpful tips on performance skills like timing and misdirection, encouraging creativity and confidence. The content is appropriate for early readers and focuses on fun, hands-on learning without any concerning material.
Why we rated Hocus pocus 7C
Hocus pocus is written at a Level 2 reading level across 48 pages. Strong independent readers around grade 3.0 can typically handle this book on their own; with parent or teacher support, Hocus pocus works for readers up to grade 4.0.
We rate Hocus pocus as 7C ("Clear") because the content sits in the "Gentle" range — no conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Across our four dimensions (emotional, physical, social, thematic) the book reads as evenly gentle; no single dimension stands out as a concern.
No specific content flags were raised by community reviewers, which is consistent with the gentle intensity score.
Thematically, Hocus pocus explores magic tricks, adventure, and skill building — these threads give the book room to mean different things to different readers.
Good fit for
- ✓ Children in the Ages 5-8 range — the maturity and attention span match the story's pacing.
- ✓ Patient readers who enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
- ✓ Kids drawn to stories about magic tricks, adventure, skill building.
- ✓ Curious kids who prefer real-world topics over made-up stories.
Maybe not for
- ! Reluctant readers who need a fast hook — the pacing here rewards patience.
For Parents
Content Intensity
7C — ClearNo conflict beyond everyday childhood experiences. Safe for sensitive readers.
Was our "Gentle" content intensity rating accurate for this book?
Reading Insights
Hook Factor
2/10A steady, thoughtful read that rewards patient readers.
Discussion Potential
1/10A lighter read — great for independent enjoyment.
Book DNA
Multi-dimensional content fingerprint
Similar Books
Based on content and theme analysis
Hocus Pocus! Tricks for Amateur Magicians
Norm Barnhart
Hocus Pocus! Tricks for Amateur Magicians
Norm Barnhart
Magic Fun (Creative Fun)
Nick Huckleberry Beak
Magic Fun (Creative Fun)
Nick Huckleberry Beak
Spooky magic tricks
David Knoles
Spooky magic tricks
David Knoles
Funny magic
Rose Wyler
Funny magic
Rose Wyler
Magic Tricks Merrigold Funtime
Victor Havel
Magic Tricks Merrigold Funtime
Victor Havel
Magic Tricks
Mark M. Weber
Magic Tricks
Mark M. Weber
Details
Book Length
- ISBN
- 0807533505
- Pages
- 48
- Publisher
- Albert Whitman
- Published
- 1984
- Type
- Nonfiction