by Elizabeth Connolly
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Recycling, litter, water conservation, magic and fun were all part of Eco Magic!, an exciting presentation that was held at the Walpole Public Library (WPL).
The 45 minute program, specifically designed for children from kindergarten through eighth grade, had both the kids and their caregivers laughing and expressing amazement over the magic tricks, all while cleverly incorporating important themes of the environment, pollution, and conservation. Mike Bent, host and founder of Eco Magic!, has a long history of comedy that dates back to the age of six, which is when he borrowed his first book about magic from his local library. He began performing in his teens, which was the beginning of a long career of writing, teaching, and entertaining. Bent has also performed at the White House for the annual Easter Egg Roll 11 times, and he just wrote his first book, The Everything Guide to Comedy Writing.
“The kids are loving this,” one mom said during a brief pause in the performance. “And I think they’re learning a few important things, as well!”
“I liked the trick where he knew everything that everyone said, even before they said it,” one child said after the show. He was referring to when Bent asked everyone in the audience a few questions, and the correct answers were tucked away in an envelope that had been filled out by the magician before the show. “I mean, how did he know what we were going to say? Can he read minds?” the young man wondered aloud.
More information about Mike Bent and his special magic shows can be found at MikeBentPrograms.com.
This program was sponsored by the Friend of WPL. For a list of upcoming library events, as well as information on the Friends of WPL, visit WalpoleLibrary.org.
