Kidbiz Book Review

That makes it nearly 30 years old. Why should you buy a 30 year old book? How is the material going to be relevant today?

One of the joys of children's entertaining is that kids really don't change that much at all. Society, adults and technology seem to reinvent themselves every few years but kids still laugh at pretty much the same things they did 50 years ago. I would say that about 90 percent of this book is still as useful today as it was then.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. There is a bigger question to be asked first: Do you, or will you, like David Ginn's style?

Let me present a very simplistic overview of children's entertainment styles so you have a point of reference to evaluate Kidbiz from. Two major styles exist and they developed on opposite sides of the Atlantic ocean: The gentler English style and the brasher American style (and about a thousand styles in between).

The English style of performing developed from the Pantomime, a peculiarly British form of over-played slapstick comedy where the audience gets really involved in the storyline by calling out to characters on stage that they better watch their backs as a villan is sneaking up from behind. Children's magic that developed there was just sweeter and gentler. It is personified by the late Edwin Hooper who I will review later.

The American style is different, it's more in your face and a strong tone of voice features a lot. David Ginn does a lot of yelling. Many magicians find his style really abrasive and steer clear of his material, much of which is laden with corny humour. Myself, I can't really decide if I like it or not.

If you have heard anything about him and formed your opinions from second hand knowledge my advice to you is listen to what I am going to tell you.

Buy Kidbiz, just get out and get a copy. It is a wonderful book, more like a small encylopedia of kids magic. David Ginn knows what he is talking about. Anytime a heavily booked professional opens up and gives out information you should listen.

Kidbiz contains sections on

• Warming up your audience
• When something goes wrong
• Selecting audience helpers
• Magic Words
• Remarks for clothing, expressions etc
• Wand gags and effects

If you have read any of my other writings at Julian's Magician School you'll know that I lean towards providing you with material and routines that you can use in the real world. You will not be disappointed with this book if you want to make a living entertaining children.

Kidbiz is a must buy if you are starting out and want ideas and lines and gags to get your show up and going. Try eBay for a cheap copy then you won't be afraid to use the highlighter and pen on it like I do.