DIXFIELD – A professional New England magician wowed both children and adults attending Friday afternoon’s summer reading program party at Ludden Library.

Entertainer B.J. Hickman of New Hampshire had everyone writhing in their seats with laughter during his hocus-pocus comedy routine.

Among the many magic acts were a lively, magical mouse; a misbehaving balloon; guessing games; and tricks involving rope, coins, cards and oversized crayons.

Children volunteered themselves to help the illusionist perform some of the acts.

Adults standing at the back of the community room even joined in, evoking more laughter and how-did-he-do-that reactions.

After the 45-minute show, head librarian Peggy Malley awarded prizes and certificates to program participants. Fifty-one children from preschool through seventh grade read 1,780 books during the six-week program.

Griffin Berry won the preschool through kindergarten competition, reading 114 books. Nathan Goodwin and Georgia Cavanaugh tied for second, reading 78 books apiece.

Amanda Pierce won the first and second grade category, reading 56 books. Celine Bolduc took second, reading 43 books.

Natalie Bolduc read 213 books to win the third and fourth grade competition; Selena Berry placed second, reading 144 books.

Sami Hutchinson read 23 books for first place in the fifth and sixth grade category; Miranda Shurtleff took second, reading 17 books.

In the seventh grade category, Molly Van Lieu read 32 books for first place.