Paths to Enchantment by Malcolm Yaffe

Many children’s magicians rely on props to engage their audiences. While readers often seek detailed tricks and routines in children’s magic literature, Paths to Enchantment goes beyond that. It serves as a comprehensive guide, providing a framework for readers to enhance and create their own unique performances.

This book is considered a pioneering effort in analyzing the elements that make performances enjoyable for children. With over thirty years of experience, Malcolm Yaffe identifies eleven key techniques that can elevate your existing tricks:

• THEY SEE, YOU DON’T
• THE FRUSTRATED WIZARD
• FANTASIZING
• ANIMATION
• BUSINESS, PARTICIPATION, INVOLVEMENT
• THE MISCHIEF-MAKER
• THE SUCCESS FACTOR
• ADD-ONS AND COMPATIBILITY
• STORYTELLING
• CHAOS
• EMOTIONAL APPEALS

Yaffe elaborates on each technique with practical applications, showcasing numerous examples from his professional repertoire, including award-winning routines. He also offers creative reinterpretations of classic tricks such as:

• FORGETFUL FREDDIE
• FANTASTIC FRAME
• THE MULTIPLYING WANDS
• ROPE TO SILK
• THE CHAIR SUSPENSION
• THE MUTILATED SUNSHADE
• THE EGG BAG
• THE GUNG HO PRODUCTION BOX
• THE LIGHT AND HEAVY GLASS
• THE GIANT AND THE DWARF
• CRAZY COMPASS
• THE LINKING RINGS
• and many more.

Additionally, Yaffe introduces original utility props and tricks, including:

• THE SKELETON HAND IN WAND
• FLY ON LAPEL
• MARVIN THE WATCH-REPAIRING MOUSE
• THE MAGIC CARD SHOP
• THE SKULL FROM BUCKET
• THE MULTIPLYING WAND BOX

Paths to Enchantment provides a clear and engaging approach, guiding entertainers to achieve greater success and professionalism in their performances for children. This groundbreaking content offers a step-by-step system for children’s magicians and clowns to unlock their creative potential and enhance the entertainment value of their shows.

“This book is incredible…. You have not read another kid-show book like this one…. be sure to get yourself a copy.” David Kaye

Pages 255 – Hardbound w/ Dust Jacket