Magic of books

When a magician performs at the library, one little girl is less than thrilled with trick.Many parents with young children took a break from the Christmas Walk on Sunday by stopping in at an open house at the Corona del Mar Branch Library.

The library, usually closed on Sundays, opened its doors for the special occasion. Magician Jeff Martin performed, and face-painter Marla Maree decorated children’s faces with holiday designs.

Most of the children and adults were quite amused by Martin’s act. But 3-year-old Kimaya Reddy did not think it was so funny when “the blond, curly-haired magician” -- as Martin bills himself -- borrowed her plastic ring for a trick and broke it in two.

The little girl squealed and burst into tears, and she wasn’t much mollified when Martin returned it to her in one piece.

“That happens sometimes,” said Martin. “You just have to roll with it.”

Kimaya cheered up as she continued watching Martin’s comedic magic routine. By the end, she was all smiles.

“That was a good show,” the little girl told her mother, Amrita Reddy. “I want to be a magician when I get bigger.”

Kiara Warren, 8, and Zoie Johnson, 8, both of Irvine, said their favorite part of the magic show was when Martin put an audience member up on a board supported by two folding chairs, then removed the board and one of the chairs, leaving the volunteer floating in the air.

“I learned those magic tricks out of books from the library,” Martin said, dispelling the idea that he had supernatural skills. He added, “If I was really a magician, would I be here?”

Branch and Youth Services Coordinator Debbie Walker said the Corona del Mar Branch Library always takes part in the Christmas Walk by offering entertainment for children and refreshments for the parents -- as well as the services usually offered at the library.

* LINDSAY SANDHAM is the news assistant. She can be reached at (714) 966-4625 or [email protected].

KENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOTShayna Palitz, 10, braces herself as Jeff Martin performs a trick at the Corona del Mar Branch Library. 20051205ir019eknKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)Shayna Palitz, 10, braces herself as Jeff Martin performs a trick at the Corona del Mar Branch Library. 20051205ir01a0knKENT TREPTOW / DAILY PILOT(LA)Koby Beard, 4, smiles with delight as he scales a climbing wall with help from John Santino during the 27th annual Corona del Mar Christmas Walk on Sunday.