There was so much going for this book. Mac Barnett is a genius at words. The illustrator is one I enjoy (she does 'If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, DON'T!"). I thought there was going to be learning about the world "please" after our main character gets his way with everything.

Instead no. Spoiler....the boy is a brat. And stays that way. And really doesn't learn anything in the end. Boo ( )

A fun book to read and look at all around! A very naive boy creates his own spin on "the magic word". He finds that he can terrorize the babysitter, get rid of his parents, and get everything he wants with the magic word, ALAKAZOOMBA. He realizes in using the magic word, he loses human interaction and companionship. The illustrations compliment Barnett's over the top fantasies. The overall theme for this book is, "Be Careful What You Wish For." Even though he thinks materialistic things will make him happy, he finds that his parents and his friend Rosie make him happy. ( )

The Magic Word by Mac Barnett is a book for young readers. I believe that children will find this book funny, and it is a great book if the parent/teacher has a sense of humor. This book is a lighthearted tale about a boy named, Pax, creating his own spin on the word "please". He gets everything he wants with the magic word, although it is not "please". He gets everything he wants but realizes he really only wants his friends and family. I think this book is a good way to show that those are the people who are truly important in your life, not all of the things you have. It also shows the importance of apologizing and forgiveness. ( )

A boy named Pax discovers that if he says "The Magic Word" he can wish for anything he wants, but soon discovers what he really wants and needs. The art style reminded me a little of Dr. Seuss. ( )

Some days you just want a good, solid, subversive picture book. Of course, the first name that springs to mind in this case is Mac Barnett and his latest book is no exception.

"On Friday night at 8:45, Paxton C. Heymeyer of 23 Larch Street asked for a cookie." Thus the tale of hilarity begins. His babysitter, looking exhausted in a sea of mess and destruction, asks "What's the magic word?" and instead of the culturally-acceptable "please" Paxton says "Alakazoomba". A magic word indeed! Soon, all his wishes come true from cookies and milk to walruses chasing everyone he doesn't like to the North Pole. When his friend Rosie is skeptical of his choices, Paxton chases her off with a walrus too - but then has second thoughts. Apologies all around....except maybe to that mean babysitter!

Parsley's quirky illustrations are just the right match for this silly story. Paxton is mischievous, delighted, and purely naughty by turns while his family and friends' expressions shift from shock to, well, more shock (especially when those galumphing walruses show up).

Verdict: This won't teach kids any lessons and will probably annoy grown-ups no end, especially when kids start shouting "Alakazoomba!" instead of please, but it's so funny you just can't ignore it!

ISBN: 9780062354846; Published 2016 by Balzer + Bray; Borrowed from another library in my consortium