The Lincoln Public Library has hosted many visitors this summer, to go along with this year's reading theme -- "A Midsummer Knight's READ." So the children's department is not unfamiliar with castles, dragons and knights in shining armor. But on Thursday, all of those things came with Richard the Magician in his bag of tricks, as well as a special character that surprised everyone.

Magic tricks and wizards from the audience kept the show fun and exciting for children and adults alike. Rhymes and silly conversation followed the mission to find the dragon, but throughout the program, Richard (Landry) the Magician used every opportunity to remind youngsters how important it is to read. He said, "The more you read, the smarter you get." He told the children he read to his two sons when they were little, and they continue to read a lot, now that they are grown.

The star of the show was the final act. When three wizards found the dragon in the castle, it turned out to be Snowball, Landry's Netherland dwarf rabbit, dressed in his dragon costume. In a post-show interview, Landry said he collects props and costumes for himself and Snowball to fit themes they are asked to cover. The dragon costume was purchased at a pet store and is designed to be a Halloween outfit for a very small dog. The bunny was a better dragon than anyone expected to find.

Pictures by Marla Blair
 

Richard the Magician used fun movements and rhymes to make the audience part of the show.

Richard the Magician found an antique wand that needed to be filled with magic. The audience was asked to catch magic and throw it into the wand.

Wizard Jonathon and Wizard Lyndsey were rewarded with applause from the audience after helping with a magic trick.

The magician's show at the Lincoln Public Library on Thursday included magic tricks and funny stunts that everyone enjoyed.

Wizard Warren tried to learn a new trick, but Richard the Magician made things appear, disappear and confuse the young apprentice.

Three young wizards had to look for the dragon with the red (fedora), white (cat litter scoop) and blue (oven mitt) items that Richard the Magician had given them.
 

The library's own Library Queen Brianna was invited to stay close as the wizards made their final climb to the dragon's castle.

Snowball the dragon was hiding in his castle on the mountain when the young wizards found him. Snowball Landry has his own Facebook page with games and other educational items for children.

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