The Magic Home: A Displaced Boy Finds a Way to Feel Better by Isabella Cassina {Children's Book Review}

Disclosure: I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

The Magic Home is a story for those who believe in magic, to turn fear into bravery and let fantasies run wild! This is a tale of a little boy that lives with his family, plays happily in the courtyard with his brother, sister, a brown dog and a fluffy white rabbit, and cannot wait to start school. Suddenly he has to leave for an unpredictable journey…

The Magic Home offers psycho-educational support for children, parents and childhood professionals who are assisting children through the difficult transition of displacement. The author presents a guide for caregivers grounded in the principles of Play Therapy that allows children to be engaged in a dynamic and engaging process based on their capacities and the objectives defined by a caring adult. The book is ideal for easy reading with individuals and groups, and the suggested activities can be used between parent and child, at school, in a healthcare agency or any other place where children spend time.

“The Magic Home is an endearing and enduring story of a child’s journey to deal with unimaginable feelings of sadness, loss and displacement. This touching story teaches us how to tap into the child’s resilience using the healing power of play and expressive arts. The Magic Home is a must-have book for child clinicians, caregivers and child professionals to use with children displaced from their homes, regardless of the situation.”
— Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, MA, RPT-S, founder and president emeritus of the New York Association for Play Therapy.

“The Magic Home is a comforting story about a little boy who loses all that is familiar and faces many uncertainties in his new life until he meets Ina, who helps him feel that he is not alone. This gently told story and sweet illustrations offer children who have faced disruptions in their families a sense of control over their circumstances and hope for a brighter future.”
— Sue Bratton, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, director emerita, Center for Play Therapy at University of North Texas

“The Magic Home takes us on a journey that is dealing with loss, adjustment and, most importantly, feelings. This book helps adults help children with big feelings that are hard to understand. The added suggestions on how to use the book and reusable figures are a valuable addition. A delightful and helpful book that helps us all know we have a magic home.”
— Linda E. Homeyer, PhD, LPCS, RPT-S, distinguished professor emerita and past president of the Association for Play Therapy (APT) board of directors.

From Loving Healing Press www.LHPress.com

Available to buy from…
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Barnes and Noble GPlay Paperback Hardcover

Enjoy our book excerpt

Page from The Magic Home: A Displaced Boy Finds a Way to Feel Better by Isabella Cassina

This book, in my opinion, could definitely be read to children and used as a tool or resource; as well as a great read for parents, teachers, or other family members to utilize as a tool.

I have zero doubt in my mind that there will certainly be questions that cannot be answered (why did the boy and his mom have to leave the home?) but the lesson behind the story is a great lesson for children going through change – a move, a new school, family changes, anxiety, etc.

The story reminds us that our memories are kept inside our heart, they are not truly ever gone away from us. When we are feeling scared about a move, or nervous to attend a new school, or sad that one parent has moved away, or anxious about something; all we have to do is look inside our “home” (heart) and find those positive memories that make us smile and make us happy. (A reminder I think adults can use too!)

The illustrations are beautiful and are an added bonus to the story.

I don’t think my kids (7, 12 and 14) would read this on their own, but I do think it is something my 7 year old would read with me (or allow me to read to her). I also that my 7 year old’s inquisitive mind would definitely start thinking and asking questions which would open up a great conversation about memories. At times, she struggles with the fact that her grandparents and aunt have moved away to live in different states. Reading this to her and discussing memories and where we store them will definitely be useful for her.

It really is a cute book with a wonderful reminder and beautiful images that is great for all ages.

About the Author
Isabella Cassina is a Swiss social worker specialized in International Cooperation and Therapeutic Play. She holds a Master of Arts from The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies IHEID in Geneva, and she is recognized Therapeutic Play Specialist by the Association for Play Therapy Italy APTI. She worked for the Swiss Red Cross as Head of the Social Services in the refugees sector. Isabella has acknowledged significant experience as humanitarian worker, trainer and international speaker. She is co-founder and project manager for INA International Academy for Play Therapy studies and PsychoSocial Projects based in Switzerland, and consultant for the APTI. She has undertaken a Ph.D. in Expressive Arts Therapy in Switzerland.