Be a Genie in Six Easy Steps

December 1, 2009
Gr 4-7-This modern-day homage to E. Nesbit's "Five Children and It" brings humor and gender equality to the original story line. The offspring of a newly blended family, Milly, Jason, Michael, and Jess are adjusting to life in small-town Moreways Meet with ill grace. All of them want to return to London, so when Milly discovers "The Genie Handbook" and its occupant, Skribble the bookworm, the children are eager to pass quickly through the six challenges involved in becoming a genie. As readers might expect, the wish-granting quickly spills over into chaos, and the children as well as Skribble learn about the true desires of the heart as they settle into their new home. For those who enjoyed Nesbit's charmer, this novel will be a nostalgic walk down familiar paths, and it will direct new readers toward the works of Nesbit and Edward Eager. While the idea of the children training to be genies gives the story a slightly different structure, the outlandish wishes gone wrong share the same flavor of daring adventure. Milly, especially, with her sweet concern for Skribble's feelings and for the genie ethic, is reminiscent of Nesbit's characterizations. Some elements, especially the conclusion, are predictably saccharine, but even the thinly veiled moral lessons can't detract from the sheer joy of imagining oneself in possession of a magic lamp. Most imaginative readers will want to check out this family-driven fantasy adventure."Caitlin Augusta, Stratford Library Association, CT"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2009
Grades 3-5 Dragged from their lives in London and stuck in dreary suburban Moreways Meet, stepsiblings Michael, Milly, Jess, and Jason find excitement when they discover an ancient book that can teach them how to become genies. Their tutor is the books resident curmudgeonly worm, Skribble, and before you can say Ali Baba, the kids are popping in and out of lamps, dressed in silky turbans and pointy shoes. Overall, their wishes are pretty typical (money, iPhones, X-ray vision), their training tasks fairly standard (learn to transform, identify worthy wish-getters), and their adversaries easily overcome (video-game monsters, spooky adults). Initially, their number-one desire was to return to London, but by the time theyve reached their final step, they realize that happiness is better found in simple togetherness, right where they are. Newbies to the world of genies will find a fun introduction here, and while the story may lack wild originality, it offers an accessible and entertaining adventure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2010
New stepsiblings Milly, Jason, Michael, and Jess stumble upon a magical book that trains them to be genies. Their hijinks lead to a perilous battle against two menacing genies, who (it turns out) just want their magical book returned. The surprisingly benign ending would be more satisfying if the crisis were less conveniently resolved.

(Copyright 2010 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)