Movies Are Magic: A Kid's History of the Moving Image From the Dawn of Time to About 1939

by Jennifer Churchill

From classic film devotee Jennifer Churchill comes a new history of classic movies ... for kids! Featuring a heartfelt introduction by Ben Mankiewicz, Turner Classic Movies (TCM)'s primetime host. In our fast-moving, media-drenched world, classic movies connect us to the past and help us understand history, the world around us, and ourselves. From vaudeville to the invention of sound and color, this fun and informative jaunt through the history of film will turn your kids into classic movie fans in no time!

59 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2018

About the author

Jennifer Churchill is a native of Michigan and current resident of Sonoma, California, where she raises her six-year-old classic film fan, Weston, and the star of her children’s book about the history of classic movies, “Movies Are Magic." The book features an introduction by Turner Classic Movies Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz. Jennifer earned her B.A. in English Literature with a cognate in film history from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and her M.A. in Public Relations from Michigan State University. A former journalist, film reviewer, and currently a public relations professional, she’s passionate about teaching kids about media literacy and film history, and ensuring a future generation of classic film fans. Her greatest joy is hearing the laughter of children watching old black-and-white silent films starring the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. As a journalist, she worked for a variety of news organizations, including The Lansing State Journal and the Marco Island Eagle-A New York Times Company. In the 1990s, she founded Ionia-Montcalm Magazine, a regional women's print publication she eventually sold to Stafford Communications Group, a large family-owned newspaper company in mid-Michigan, She has used her expertise as a successful public relations professional - doing work for a wide variety of clients in the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley wine regions - to also successfully get her children's book published with the ongoing support of the classic film network founded by Ted Turner, Turner Classic Movies.

Reviews

[Kristi Jeffrey]

Finally a book for children about classic movies!! My 9-year-old loved this book and wants to buy a copy for all of the libraries in the school district. As a classic movie fan and parent, I think it’s important for kids to understand the history of film. This book is so special because it connects kids to the history of film in a way that is relevant and modern. Great book for any young reader! I don’t know of another book quite like this out there that teaches kids about classic movies and I'm excited to share with friends. Highly recommended!!

[Kristi Jeffrey]

Finally a book for children about classic movies!! My 9-year-old loved this book and wants to buy a copy for all of the libraries in the school district. As a classic movie fan and parent, I think it’s important for kids to understand the history of film. This book is so special because it connects kids to the history of film in a way that is relevant and modern. Great book for any young reader! I don’t know of another book quite like this out there that teaches kids about classic movies and I'm excited to share with friends. Highly recommended!!

[Kirsten Mitchell]

Movies are Magic is an OUTSTANDING Children's book about Classic movies and how they are made. Jennifer Churchill gives wonderful suggestions of great old movies. The book is easy for kids to understand and to learn all about how movies were made. I highly recommend this book!

[Jennifer]

Adorable and informative. Excellent selection of kid-friendly films are recommended throughout this short and sweet book.

[Jennifer Churchill]

Kids need to understand where today's YouTube videos originated - from the origins of storytelling, to theatre, light shows, and vaudeville - to the invention of still photography, series motion photography and of course film. Perfect for ages kindergarten through 5th grade, but any age wanting a primer on the history of film would enjoy. Comes with recommendations of silent and classic movies perfect for kids.