Magical Kids II

February 1, 2009
Gr 2-4-Gardner continues her series about children with magical abilities with these two short novels, presented in a "flip over" volume. Thomas is granted his wish to fly on his ninth birthday, making for many complications at home and school. Although his tale has some charm, "The Smallest Girl" is the stronger and more interesting story. Ruby Genie is the daughter of the greatest magicians ever. Unfortunately, she appears to have no magical talent at all. When her parents are killed, she is sent to the only school of magic that will take her. When she's told to perform her best trick, she is unable to do anything, and (literally) shrinks with embarrassment. Later, a down-on-his-luck magician with evil intentions claims to be Ruby's uncle and takes her away. However, he soon becomes frustrated with her, puts her in an old handbag, and tosses her out a window. Ruby's luck finally changes when kindly Aunt Hat catches the bag. The characters are more fleshed out, and the engaging plotline keeps children curious about will happen next. In both selections, black-and-white illustrations are scattered throughout and offer good graphic support for younger readers."Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2008
Grades 3-6 Feeling small, helpless, and invisible in the adult world is something kids know well, and in each of the back-to-back stories in this book, the child turns the authority power game around with magical change. Clumsy Thomas is ridiculed in gym class, and he disappoints his uptight dad. Then the Fat Fairy grants Thomas his birthday wish, and he finds that he can not only jump but also fly. The kids treat him with new respect, but grownups, including Dad, refuse to see the magic all around them until Dad learns to have fun, and he recognizes that powerful Thomas has transformed the world. The opposite happens in the story of Ruby, who shrinks until she is so small that she fits inside a purse. Readers will enjoy the small, detailed, expressive ink drawings throughout both stories that find magic rooted in the children's standoffs with authority.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)