Jeff Evans’ motivational Reading Magic program encourages children to enjoy reading for a lifetime. Students help Jeff return an overdue book and see what makes a library card like a magic wand. Curious George appears to perform the “World Famous Banana Trick.” You’ll see jaws drop when Jeff shows how reading helps solve the puzzling Rubik’s Cube.
In Jeff’s latest routine, a volunteer is transported to Hogwarts for a hilarious Harry Potter scene (complete with wig, glasses, and a lighting bolt scar). You’ve never seen anyone have such a hard time holding onto a magic wand!
It’s a lot of fun, but most importantly the benefits of reading are woven throughout the show. Your students will be excited to try out the “magic numbers” of the Dewey Decimal system at your library.
Assembly planners often wonder, “Will this program really make a difference for our students?”
“I had one student come back to me the next day and say that he went straight to the public library, activated his card, and checked out a book on magic. He was inspired!”
-Urdene Rickard, librarian, St. Vincent de Paul School
Reading and the library has a special connection for Jeff. His career began from a book on magic that he found at his grandparent’s house when he was twelve years old. He’d already begun realizing the “magic” possible when you read a good book, but this was different. He was mesmerized, and began voraciously checking out all of the books from local libraries. (They’re in the 793.8 section, if you’re curious.)
When he began his career, libraries were some of his first clients. He first summer reading performances for the Lacey, Tumwater, and Olympia Libraries were in 1992. Since then, Jeff has performed shows each year for all three of the libraries, making them his longest-running clients.
Jeff has created numerous themed shows for library Summer Reading Programs. He is also hired to accompany youth services librarians to schools as they promote various programs. All of this keeps him up to date on the latest books that are popular with kids. And, his shows always encourage kids to turn off the TV and unlock the fun and thrill of reading.
Class Activity Sheets
Teachers receive Reading Magic Class Activity Sheets. Download your PDF Reading Magic Class Activity Sheet here.