Magic Lady - Urszula Dudziak

Advantages: Some fun stories
Disadvantages: I'd read most of them in other collections

...I've long been a fan of Neil Gaiman, as he is one of those writers who can mix the fantastical with the real and make it feel somehow natural. His writing has a kind of credibility that means when Neil Gaiman tells you something unbelievable, you start keeping half an eye out for it, just in case. I've read most of Gaiman's novels and short story collections, but had never dipped into the writing he aims at a slightly younger audience. Given that his writing often makes me feel like a child again, I wasn't anticipating any major difference in his writing for the different audience, particularly in a collection of short stories. That is exactly what I got, as "M is for Magic" is a collection of stories specially selected for the audience, but not written specifically for the audience. Indeed, of the eleven stories contained within... Read review

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Advantages: A fantastic band and a brilliant album!
Disadvantages: Not everyone will like every track.

...Never one to shy away from a challenge, I've decided it's about time I jumped in feet first into the music category. So without further ado, I'd like to welcome you to the quirky, fantastical world of the Barenaked Ladies. About the Band Barenaked Ladies are a Canadian alternative rock band, renowned for their comedic lyrics, humorous rapping and general quirky take on songs. The band began as a duo with founding members Ed Robertson and Steven Page, playing their first live gig on October 1st, 1988. They then recruited more members and released their first full album, Gordon, in 1992, quickly achieving success in Canada. More albums followed and the popularity of the Barenaked Ladies increased. Even I graced them with my presence at a live performance at V2000, which is, of course, a recognized achievement amongst many... Read review

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Advantages: fun story
Disadvantages: none

...Dragon Magic is a cute tale that transports children to a magical world of castles and dragons. It tells the story of a small girl called Jess and her blacksmith father, Big John, who rely on their dragon's breath to soften the iron that they use to make things. Problems start when Big John is making a new gate for the king but Huff, their dragon, has run out of puff. Soon some dragon eggs are found and before long a new baby called Puff hatches. She soon becomes part of the family and sets to work helping to make the gate. However, the king is worried that the gate won't be finished and he has spied strangers heading towards the city. It is a race against time especially when Puff shows signs of becoming ill. What else could possibly go wrong? My daughter really enjoyed this story and kept getting excited about what would happen next... Read review

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