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ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Tulsi lives in a travelling and somewhat dilapidated circus, which is all the home she has ever known. Her mother is an adept at big magic and comes from a long line of women who have used it to entertain, but has forbidden 11yo Tulsi to learn any magic until she is 16. When the circus arrives at one of Tulsi's favourite spots on the far north coast, the future of the circus is at risk and Tulsi's mother tries to use big magic to save it. But something goes awry, and she disappears - and the only one who can bring her back is Tulsi. And the only way Tulsi is going to learn enough - or any - magic is from her untrustworthy grandmother, who was banned from practising it many years ago… A wonderful and thoroughly engrossing story, with an engaging character and a nice twist on magic and how it's used. Ends satisfyingly, but there is room for more adventures (and I hope there are!) Lindy
Eleven-year-old Tulsi comes from a long line of women magicians, but her mother has always forbidden her to learn Big Magic. It's dangerous, thrilling, and powerful - and Tulsi wants it more than anything. But one hot summer's night, a magic trick goes horribly wrong, and her mother disappears. Only one person can bring her back, and that's Tulsi.
Sarah Armstrong was an award-winning journalist at the ABC before writing three novels for adults, including Salt Rain which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award. Big Magic is her first book for children. She lives with her partner, Alan, and their daughter, Amelia, in the NSW town of Mullumbimby, which features (if slightly disguised!) in all her novels, including Big Magic.
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Tulsi lives in a travelling and somewhat dilapidated circus, which is all the home she has ever known. Her mother is an adept at big magic and comes from a long line of women who have used it to entertain, but has forbidden 11yo Tulsi to learn any magic until she is 16. When the circus arrives at one of Tulsi's favourite spots on the far north coast, the future of the circus is at risk and Tulsi's mother tries to use big magic to save it. But something goes awry, and she disappears - and the only one who can bring her back is Tulsi. And the only way Tulsi is going to learn enough - or any - magic is from her untrustworthy grandmother, who was banned from practising it many years ago… A wonderful and thoroughly engrossing story, with an engaging character and a nice twist on magic and how it's used. Ends satisfyingly, but there is room for more adventures (and I hope there are!) Lindy
‘My heart was in my mouth as I followed Tulsi’s search for her mother. A wonderful adventure with the sort of magic I could really believe in.’ – Lian Tanner, author of The Keepers trilogy ‘This book had me on page one. Like Harry Potter, it feels like there’s a treat in every paragraph. Kids will devour it and then read it again. [It's] an earthy, life-shaking tale of real magic and the responsibilities that come with power.’ –Tristan Bancks, author of Two Wolves ‘If I didn’t believe in magic before reading this, I certainly do now. Sarah takes you through parallel universes, across continents and into magical circus tents so deftly, with pure heart.’ – Zanni Louise, author of the Humankind series ‘A perfect mix of magic, mystery and suspense! I loved it!’ – Deborah Abela, author of the Grimsdon trilogy
