Description Thomas Nelson & Sons, Canada, 1962. Former school text book. Hard cover, 320 pages. Boards have black lettering on front, rear and spine; front board illustrated. Expected edge, corner and spine end wear. Front and rear hinges cracked but text block holding but a bit loose. A bit of soil on outer page block. Illustrated end-papers and paste-downs; school stamp at top of title page; remainder of interior clean and unmarked with colour and black & white illustrations. ‘Magic and Make-believe, a basic reader at the Grade Two level, is the fourth book in the Young Canada

Condition and Features

This1962 edition ofMagic and Make-believe remains a charming example of mid-20th century educational materials. Though showing signs of age, the hardcover binding is intact, with expected wear on the edges, corners, and spine ends that adds to its vintage character. The cracked front and rear hinges suggest frequent use, yet the text block is still firmly held in place, reflecting durable craftsmanship.

The outer page edges bear some soil marks, a testament to its journey through many hands, while the interior pages remain remarkably clean and free from markings or annotations. The book features both colour and black & white illustrations that enhance the reading experience for young learners, complemented by decorative illustrated end-papers and paste-downs. A school stamp at the top of the title page further authenticates its history as a classroom staple.

Educational Significance

Magic and Make-believe serves as the fourth installment in the Young Canada Reading Series, specifically tailored as a basic reader for Grade Two students. Its thoughtful curation of stories and illustrations aims to engage children's imaginations while building foundational reading skills. The inclusion of both fanciful and realistic themes helps stimulate creativity and literacy simultaneously.

From the teacher's perspective, this volume was designed not just to teach reading mechanics, but to foster a love of storytelling and discovery. The varied content supports diverse learning styles and encourages young readers to explore the boundaries between reality and fantasy, a key developmental stage in early childhood education.

Collectible Appeal

For collectors and enthusiasts of vintage educational books, this edition holds particular appeal due to its historical context as a Canadian school textbook from the early1960s. Its preserved illustrations and authentic classroom markings offer a nostalgic glimpse into past teaching methods and childhood experiences. Whether for personal collection or educational study, this book exemplifies the enduring value of well-crafted learning materials.

Reading Series.’ (from To the Teacher)