The Magic Word by Mac Barnett (review)

Just for funsies, one night little Paxton decides not to add the requisite “please” to his request for a cookie but instead says “Alakazoomba.” It proves to be a word of genuine magic, materializing a cookie in “a puff of blue smoke.” When he wants milk? Alakazoomba. Walruses to chase his annoying babysitter up to the North Pole? Alakazoomba—and here they come and off she goes. Mom and Dad aren’t particularly pleased, but a quick Alakazoomba means their threat of grounding only brings them a trip to the north via walrus. Soon the neighborhood’s a theme park and the cookies keep coming, but Paxton admits he might be a little lonely and wants things back the way they were. That apologetic concession is fairly predictable, but this contribution to the sorry/not sorry genre is still plenty of fun. Parsley’s vibrant digital illustrations play with perspective and composition to depict the wild hijinks, giving full spreads to the roller-coasting and poolside joys while close-ups highlight tow-headed, perky-nosed Paxton’s elation. This will make for a raucous storytime, and don’t be surprised if you hear a few kids trying out their own magic words afterward.