Squid Kid the Magnificent - AKA Oliver the squid - performs his magic tricks for his sister Stella in this amusing underwater picture-book adventure. Stella is unimpressed, and challenges her brother at every turn, becoming especially outraged when he uses her pet cuttlefish Cuddles in his act. But when he frightens her by pretending to be a shark, she knows how to turn the tables...

The sometimes combative, sometimes playful relationship between siblings is explored to entertaining effect in Squid Kid the Magnificent, which pairs an engaging text by author Lynne Berry with bright, colorful illustrations by artist Luke LaMarca. I found the back-and-forth between Oliver and Stella amusing, and imagine young children will as well, just as they'll enjoy the ending, in which the not-so-patient sister squid gets back at her brother. Recommended to young would-be magicians, and to anyone looking for engaging picture-books about siblings. ( )