Sunny Blossom summer library shows

I've really enjoyed performing my "Reading is Magic" show at various Texas libraries this summer. I've discovered I enjoy performing the silly magic shows much more than I originally thought I would. It's such fun being onstage and I love the exaggerated body language of slap-stick humor that the children find so side-splittingly funny.

I enjoy being goofy and making the kids laugh, and there's such a positive energy that comes from a live audience. It doesn't feel like 'work' at all for me, which is delightful. I get paid to have fun, score! I really enjoy doing magic shows that have a positive message. 

Here are some glimpses from my summer shows this year.

 

Sometimes one simple comic gag can have the kids literally rolling on the floor with laughter. It's so fun! This is a snapshot of my favorite part of the show. Any time I bring out my magic rabbit, Mr. Bingley, he steals the show. The kids love his silly antics. I say Mr. Bingley has been reading books about magic because he wants to be a magician. Then he tries to do several different magic tricks, but he's always trying to cheat and the kids catch him in the act over and over. 

Then he does a Disappearing Balloon trick that is pretty funny and  not at all magic. This part of the show is really just a comedy routine, since no magic  happens with Mr. Bingley. 

I love to use lots of onstage helpers, and I try to use silly costuming as much as possible since the kids think it's hilarious. Here is a glimpse of our Magic Recipe trick, where we mix several silly ingredients to try and bake a cake together but it turns out to be worms instead. 

With her special Clothing Protection System, Hair Protection System, and Eye Protection System, she's ready to bake. Now add a magic wand (or two or three....I LOVE the multiplying wands) and she's ready to work some magic. 

After the show I sign autographs, give out publicity prizes to the kids, or take pictures with audience members. 

This boy was so shy he was almost crying in terror, but the mom was really really wanting him to pose for a picture with me. He wouldn't have any of it and she was really insistent, so I pulled out Mr Bingley. 

I haven't met a kid yet who didn't want to take a picture with Mr. Bingley- little girls even ask if they can hug or kiss him. He works wonders. (I've smuggled him to church in my Sunday bag and had him join the Nursery class I teach, and he's always welcomed with adoration there, too.) Puppets are such effective tools for working with children, and I toy with the idea of adding another bigger puppet to my show. 

After the shows I usually give out miniature balloon dogs made from beads instead of balloons (they are super cute and never pop). I tell the kids to find my magic phrase on my Sunny Blossom Facebook page, then they line up to tell me the secret words and choose a prize. The secret phrase is sually something along these lines: Reading is Magic, or Every Book is a Magic Book, or Books Are Like a Magic Carpet, or Read to Succeed. They love picking out a beensy little poodle to take home!