When I read this book I thought it was a new release, later learning the author is already well-known in Australia and this is an E-incarnation of her enchanting debut book. I agree with a review I read by Aussie Reviews: "...a wonderful blend of magic, mayhem and humor."
The Magic Carpet (Book 1 of the Ruby Series) starts with Ruby Rosemont at home in England with her mother, Mrs. Ann Rosemont, when a letter blows in the window. It's from her mother, Zola McQuirky, who is off traveling in Tibet. She sends it by "Wind Mail," of course, which is only one of hundreds of magical happenings in this delightful book.
You see, Zola is a genie and Ruby has genie blood in her. Mrs. Rosemont's genie name is Heavenly Honeyblossom Moonbeam, but she never accepted the genie part of her birthright, denying it in favor of a more traditional way of life. She's shielded Ruby from the truth all her life, but now Zola wants her to give Ruby the gift that she gave her when she turned twelve.
The gift turns out to be a magic carpet that's been "languishing" in the attic for twenty-five years. Well, Ruby has been pining for an adventure and when she discovers the magic carpet, she gets more adventure than she can handle. The trouble (fun and games to the little girl) starts when the carpet zooms her off to the desert of Tibet before she learns to handle it properly--before she learns the magic she truly possesses--and she meets the rest of the genie clan.
The genie clan is a charming, magical bunch of relatives who welcome her with open arms. They're teaching her how to be a proper genie when all hell breaks loose.
What happens when an evil general takes over the kingdom and bans the genies from the area? Why does his second-in-command take the magic carpet for his own? How does Ruby operate without her carpet? How can she help the genies protect the general population when the general and his hoodlum soldiers terrorize them, killing anyone who defies him. He forces the genies to sign a peace treaty that keeps him from harming them, but what happens when they've had enough of his evil and defy him for Ruby's sake?
Why is Ruby so intent in saving a young boy genie who has been captured by the general? What hidden dangers lurk in the underground labyrinth they're forced to enter? What's the importance of the treasure they seek? And what happens when Ruby offers to turn herself in to save the boy?
Who comes to her rescue? But most important: will she ever get back home and be reunited with her mother?
Author Jodie Brownlee answers those questions in the most enchanting, delightful way possible, making her readers cling to every word as we rush headlong to the end of this very creative book.
Brownlee has written a fast-paced story, filled with one adventure after another, making the characters and magical acts so believable you'll feel as though you are with them. Her dialogue, pacing and writing skills are right on target. And the genies in this book have more magic than any characters I've ever read about. Awesome!
Even though this is a Young Adult book, I loved it because I have always enjoyed reading YA books. They have so much adventure and creativity in them because children's minds are wide-open to the impossible as well as the possible; this book has an abundance of both. Another thing I adore about this book are the cover and the illustrations; I bet you've never seen a cuter camel than the one on the title page. :-)
I love, love, love this book...and you will too. Whether you're a parent reading this to your toddlers or a teen or adult reading it for yourself, I bet my magic carpet you will love it as I do. I'm eager to read the other two in this trilogy. Highly recommended.
Endnote: FYI, this book was released to critical acclaim in Australia and New Zealand by Scholastic, then translated and published in Italy by Edizione Piemme and now available worldwide.
Reviewed by Betty Dravis, September 2, 2011
Author of "The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley" and other books
