Best Magic Books for Kids Learning Tricks (2026): 5 Compared

Finding the best magic books for kids learning tricks starts with the reader: a grade-schooler who wants to amaze the family at dinner, or a budding performer planning a full show. This list compares the picks by listed reading age, grade level, print length, publication date and what each description says, so you can match the book to the kid in front of you.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	How to Fool Your Parents by Kwong	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Magic Tricks with Coins by Banfield	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Magic Tricks for Kids by Ackerly	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Science Magic Tricks for Kids by Gendreau	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Basic Card Magic by Fury	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

How to Fool Your Parents by Kwong

David Kwong·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

More than 25 fully illustrated tricks with cards, coins and phones, from a working magician, for a reader ready to perform for family and friends.

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Pros

• More than 25 tricks across cards, sleight of hand, phones and secret codes
• Fully illustrated step-by-step instructions stated in the description
• October 2024 publication, the most current of the picks

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher
• Grade band of 3 to 7 is wide for one pick
• 192 pages is long for a younger beginner

2

Magic Tricks with Coins by Banfield

Jake Banfield·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Over 50 step-by-step tricks with cards, coins and household objects, plus performance tips, for a beginner who wants variety fast.

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Pros

• Over 50 tricks across card, coin, everyday object and mind reading categories
• Step-by-step photos and performance tips stated
• Reading age 7 - 11 and grade 2 - 6 both stated, not marked from customers

Cons

• July 2017 publication, the oldest edition here
• 120 pages is the lowest page count of the picks
• No video tutorials stated

3

Magic Tricks for Kids by Ackerly

Phil Ackerly·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Twenty-five household-object tricks plus a crafts chapter for building a wand, box and table, aimed at first-time performers.

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Pros

• Crafts chapter for making a wand, a box and a table stated
• Sample scripts teach patter, not just the moves
• Starts with easier tricks and builds to sleight of hand, per the description

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher
• Grade 2 to 3 is the narrowest band here
• 25 tricks stated, fewer than the 50-trick books

4

Science Magic Tricks for Kids by Gendreau

Kathy Gendreau·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Fifty science experiments staged as magic tricks, each with a photo and the principle explained, for a curious kid who likes to know why.

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Pros

• 50 tricks stated, with a photo for every trick
• Explains the scientific principle behind each trick
• "Run with It" sections suggest ways to vary each trick

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers rather than stated by the publisher
• The description says ages 8 to 12 while the listed reading age is 8 to 10
• Science-first angle suits experimenters more than stage performers

5

Basic Card Magic by Fury

Sam Fury·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Twenty-five card-only tricks in six routines, all with a standard deck and no setup, for a reader who wants to master cards first.

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Pros

• All 25 tricks use a standard deck with no prior setup
• Six routines the reader can use as written, tweak or mix
• Easy instructions and pictures stated for beginners

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• Card tricks only, no coins, objects or stagecraft
• Described as fun for all ages, not aimed at a specific reader

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More picks to compare

• Card Tricks for Kids by Gibbs20 card tricks with video tutorials for readers 6 and up.Check on Amazon
• Magic Tricks Made Easy by Clemons54 tricks with bonus videos for kids ages 6 to 12.Check on Amazon
• Kids' Magic Secrets by BreeEveryday-item tricks that explain the science behind them.Check on Amazon
• Easy-to-Do Magic Tricks by Fulves18 simple coin, rubber band and string tricks in 32 pages.Check on Amazon
• Abracadabra! by Kelly30 tricks with video links for readers 7 years and up.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for a young reader learning tricks, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level. Four of the five listings give both a reading age and a grade level, and the Basic Card Magic listing gives neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best magic books for kids learning tricks

Match the age band to the reader

The listed reading ages here run from 6 to 11 years, with grade bands from 2 to 3 up to 3 to 7. Two of the listings mark the reading age as from customers, so read those alongside the grade level before deciding. For more choices by level, browse all middle grade books.

Tricks, props or stagecraft

Card-only books like Basic Card Magic need nothing but a standard deck, while Magic Tricks for Kids adds a crafts chapter for building a wand, a box and a table for a real show. If the reader learns by watching, the more-options list includes books with video tutorials. A reader who already reads chapter books may also like our books for kids learning to read.

Check the edition date

The picks range from a 2017 publication to a 2024 one, and the newest pick covers cell phone and technology magic the older books do not. A current edition also means the listed reading age and grade level reflect how the book is sold now.

Before you buy

• Check the publication date: the picks range from 2017 to 2024, and only the newest covers phone-based tricks.
• For a series, start with Book 1: How to Fool Your Parents is listed as the first of the David Kwong magic books for kids.
• Compare the grade level with the reader’s grade, and note whether the reading age is marked as from customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age is right for a magic trick book?

The picks here list reading ages from 6 to 11 years and grade levels from 2 to 3 up to 3 to 7. Match the band to the reader, and preview a trick or two for a younger child.

Do these books need special props?

No. The listings state household objects, coins and cards, and one book states no fancy props are needed. A standard deck of cards covers the card-only pick.

Where should a beginner start?

Magic Tricks for Kids starts with easier tricks and builds to sleight of hand, and the Science Magic Tricks book explains the principle behind each trick. A reader who only wants cards can start with Basic Card Magic.

Still deciding? Our top pickHow to Fool Your Parents by Kwong

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Related lists

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: books for kids learning to read, fantasy books about magic, kids books about camping and books for kids going to summer camp.