anything besides sponge balls, mouth coils, TT and mini coloring book thats a solid close-up trick for kids? minimal preparation, easy to carry around....

i never perform for kids, but i might end up having to.... are about 8-10 year olds impressed by anything like coins across, ACR, stealth pen etc. that i'd usually use for adults?

Yes this group is very intrigued with any kind of magic. Don't do the same one twice with the same group, because this is the time when they know what happens and watches intently on how it is done.
D-lites are good for close ups too. The sponge rabbits, changing hanky, and the wilting flower seems to be very easy to carry and easy to do.

What about Newton's Nightmare? I also like to use Mandrain Mirror Box for kids. You might want to check out Equal and Unequal ropes and Professor Nightmare...

These are all close up effects that would be great for a kids shows

1-Magic Stop Light Cards- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=730

2-Sly Silks- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=902

3-The Crazy Compass- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=683

4-Magic Coloring Book (Large)- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=73

5-Colorful Cups and Balls- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=38

6-Ball and Vase- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=235

7-Vanishing Handkerchief- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=156

8-Vanishing Crayons- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=74

9- D'Lite (Red)- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=40

10- Silk Cabby- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=897

11-Color Changing Ball to Jumbo Square- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=118

12-Equal Unequal Ropes- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=60

13-3D Multiplying Rabbits (Goshman)- http://www.penguinmagic.com/product.php?ID=270

I wouldnt recomend mouth coils. A kid might try and choke themselves. Just my 2 cents

Thanks Alot Morph! I really appreciate that!

anyone ever try a hot rod on a kid?