The Book

Watermelon Magic was inspired by the classic children’s film by Albert Lamorisse, The Red Balloon. When I was growing up, the only way to watch that movie was on film through a film projector- no VHS, no DVDs, no internet. Even though I didn’t have access to the film, I did have a copy of the book version of the The Red Baloon, which was the only way for me to relive the film. Even though Watermelon Magic is available everywhere now, I still think there is great value in reading solo or with a parent or teacher, and so created this book version. My producer Monica Moran wrote a terrific rhyming verse that complements the wonderful imagery and goes into more detail about the magic of plant development and the importance of sharing.
– Director, Richard Power Hoffmann

The still-frame photography gives the movie an animated feel, the people caught in comic, staccato movement. But the time-lapse sequences capture the life cycle of a plant with wondrous, eye-popping scrutiny. Charming.

- Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer Movie Critic