The Beginner's Guide to Being a Wizard

Illustrated by Keith Negley
Hardcover
$18.99 US
On sale Aug 25, 2026 | 40 Pages | 9798217318568

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Attention, aspiring wizards! Grab your wands, capes, and geckos and dive into this hilarious and clever how-to guide by award-winning author-illustrator Keith Negley.

So you want to become a wizard? Excellent choice.

Magic, like everything in life, takes practice and patience. It's important to know that you will make mistakes. For example, you might accidentally turn your friends into fish, or yourself into a turnip. This is all normal. Remember, magic is more about wondering than knowing. Also explosions. 

This handbook covers everything from essential materials--a stick (not too pokey); a cloak (a towel works fine); a hiding place; and snacks--to spell casting, duels, and did we mention snacks? 

In turns hilarious and thoughtful, this how-to guide sparkles with just as much wisdom as it does magic.
After spending time on both coasts (Seattle, NYC), Keith now resides in the foothills of Bellingham, Washington, where he makes picture books and teaches illustration at Western Washington University. He is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and the New Yorker in addition to many other national publications. His first book Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) received a Kate Greenaway Medal nomination in 2016. In addition to his many other awards, Keith has received four medals from the Society of Illustrators. View titles by Keith Negley
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About

Attention, aspiring wizards! Grab your wands, capes, and geckos and dive into this hilarious and clever how-to guide by award-winning author-illustrator Keith Negley.

So you want to become a wizard? Excellent choice.

Magic, like everything in life, takes practice and patience. It's important to know that you will make mistakes. For example, you might accidentally turn your friends into fish, or yourself into a turnip. This is all normal. Remember, magic is more about wondering than knowing. Also explosions. 

This handbook covers everything from essential materials--a stick (not too pokey); a cloak (a towel works fine); a hiding place; and snacks--to spell casting, duels, and did we mention snacks? 

In turns hilarious and thoughtful, this how-to guide sparkles with just as much wisdom as it does magic.

Author

After spending time on both coasts (Seattle, NYC), Keith now resides in the foothills of Bellingham, Washington, where he makes picture books and teaches illustration at Western Washington University. He is a frequent contributor to the New York Times and the New Yorker in addition to many other national publications. His first book Tough Guys (Have Feelings Too) received a Kate Greenaway Medal nomination in 2016. In addition to his many other awards, Keith has received four medals from the Society of Illustrators. View titles by Keith Negley

Photos

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Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. Find our full collection of titles for Higher Education here.

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