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Magic in the City
Brothers Jake and Simon Grubb are not happy they have to leave their home in Canada to move in with their cousin Hannah and her family in England. But things get interesting for the boys when, on the way there, they encounter a retiring magician at a highway rest stop who presents them with three gifts he claims have magical a carpet, a camera and a stopwatch. Unfortunately, the magician doesn't provide them with any instructions. So when the boys and Hannah find themselves being swept away on a wild adventure fueled by the magic in these curious objects, they have to learn as they go. But who cares when it's this exciting! Flying over London, traveling through time, meeting the queen --- what could possibly top this? Little do they know, there's something soon to come that will!
Award-winning author Heather Dyer weaves an enchanting spell with this well-crafted early chapter book. The point of view in the story shifts among all three children, allowing readers to get to know each of the likable characters well. The captivating idea of ordinary children being given the opportunity to use magic to create their own fun experience, particularly flying above London on a magic carpet, will be irresistible to children. With one suspenseful, action-packed scene after another, this is a quick-moving and gently humorous adventure story that's just right for beginning chapter book readers.
Award-winning author Heather Dyer weaves an enchanting spell with this well-crafted early chapter book. The point of view in the story shifts among all three children, allowing readers to get to know each of the likable characters well. The captivating idea of ordinary children being given the opportunity to use magic to create their own fun experience, particularly flying above London on a magic carpet, will be irresistible to children. With one suspenseful, action-packed scene after another, this is a quick-moving and gently humorous adventure story that's just right for beginning chapter book readers.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2017
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414 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
October 27, 2016
Sort of an Early Chapter Book With Training Wheels
This is a cheerful action/adventure/fantasy book that struck me as just right for younger readers testing the waters.
Our three heroes end up in possession of three magical objects, and they don't have any instructions or clear idea what they do. So, (MILD PREMISE SPOILERS), they have to figure out how the carpet flies, how the watch stops time, and how the camera puts them into the picture. That's pretty clever, but easy enough to follow, and the complications that flow from their experiments are also easy enough for a younger reader to get.
The characters are engaging enough, although youngest Simon is fun right off the bat, cousin Hannah takes a little while to build up enough nerve to be a force in the story, and eldest brother Jake is a bit of a pill for starters. Every kid warms up and contributes as the book goes on, so again we have a nice intro to character development for a younger reader.
I'm making this sound like some sort of school assignment for readers, but it's not. It's fun. There are some clever lines and nice plot twists. The Queen of England plays a role, and who doesn't like the Queen? No one's an orphan and there isn't a bullying sub-plot, which is refreshing. There's a fair amount of interesting zipping around London and a touch of history. And, the pacing is pretty headlong so we get right to adventuring and don't worry too much about backstory or agonizing about whether to fiddle with the magical objects.
So, it felt to me like a bit more than an early reader, and seemed aimed at that slightly underserved 3rd to 5th grade demo. Magic, flying, a bit of time travel, adventure, and a socko happy ending without any awkward bits or odd sub-plots. A nice starter book for a young fantasy-adventurer. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
This is a cheerful action/adventure/fantasy book that struck me as just right for younger readers testing the waters.
Our three heroes end up in possession of three magical objects, and they don't have any instructions or clear idea what they do. So, (MILD PREMISE SPOILERS), they have to figure out how the carpet flies, how the watch stops time, and how the camera puts them into the picture. That's pretty clever, but easy enough to follow, and the complications that flow from their experiments are also easy enough for a younger reader to get.
The characters are engaging enough, although youngest Simon is fun right off the bat, cousin Hannah takes a little while to build up enough nerve to be a force in the story, and eldest brother Jake is a bit of a pill for starters. Every kid warms up and contributes as the book goes on, so again we have a nice intro to character development for a younger reader.
I'm making this sound like some sort of school assignment for readers, but it's not. It's fun. There are some clever lines and nice plot twists. The Queen of England plays a role, and who doesn't like the Queen? No one's an orphan and there isn't a bullying sub-plot, which is refreshing. There's a fair amount of interesting zipping around London and a touch of history. And, the pacing is pretty headlong so we get right to adventuring and don't worry too much about backstory or agonizing about whether to fiddle with the magical objects.
So, it felt to me like a bit more than an early reader, and seemed aimed at that slightly underserved 3rd to 5th grade demo. Magic, flying, a bit of time travel, adventure, and a socko happy ending without any awkward bits or odd sub-plots. A nice starter book for a young fantasy-adventurer. (Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
March 29, 2020
A wonderful adventure story of two brothers who have to move to England from Canada.
The magic elements are fun, and adventurous for the two boys and their cousin. The kids go running around London, to several major landmarks. One of the children stops time for the queen, and has ice cream with her in the garden!
This was a fun story all around. I felt like it even had potential to be an adventure series, but it wraps up nicely, so that's that. A delightful read.
The magic elements are fun, and adventurous for the two boys and their cousin. The kids go running around London, to several major landmarks. One of the children stops time for the queen, and has ice cream with her in the garden!
This was a fun story all around. I felt like it even had potential to be an adventure series, but it wraps up nicely, so that's that. A delightful read.
March 23, 2017
This early chapter book is non-stop action. Jake and Simon are moving to live with their aunt and cousin in London. On the way, a magician gives them a camera, a stop watch, and a carpet. The boys and their cousin, Rachel, find out that there is real magic in them and they explore London.
July 20, 2017
A mother and her two kids are walking past a magician when he offers them some of his magic items for free. With a stopwatch, they’ll be able to stop time. With a camera, they’ll be able to put themselves into a picture. And with his carpet, they’ll be able to fly.
The two boys, Jake and Simon, soon discover that the magician was telling the truth about the magic carpet. They fly off over London, seeing the sights they had read about in their tourist guidebook. Their cousin Hannah joins them the next day as they test the stopwatch. Younger brother Simon wants to see the Queen, but Hannah soon suspects that Jake has something else in mind. Their day is filled with adventure, fun, and surprises!
Magic in the City is an enjoyable and quick read. The action moves swiftly and draws young readers in, as they wait to see what will happen next to Jake, Hannah, and Simon.
If I had one wish with this book, it would be that Jake, Hannah, and Simon had spent just a little more time in each of their adventures. The picture Ms. Dyer drew of each place was so vivid, and the predicament that the kids were in was so entertaining, that I would have loved to experience each place for just a bit longer. But, I suppose this is like many a book that I’ve read and loved—Ms. Dyer successfully left me wanting more!
The two boys, Jake and Simon, soon discover that the magician was telling the truth about the magic carpet. They fly off over London, seeing the sights they had read about in their tourist guidebook. Their cousin Hannah joins them the next day as they test the stopwatch. Younger brother Simon wants to see the Queen, but Hannah soon suspects that Jake has something else in mind. Their day is filled with adventure, fun, and surprises!
Magic in the City is an enjoyable and quick read. The action moves swiftly and draws young readers in, as they wait to see what will happen next to Jake, Hannah, and Simon.
If I had one wish with this book, it would be that Jake, Hannah, and Simon had spent just a little more time in each of their adventures. The picture Ms. Dyer drew of each place was so vivid, and the predicament that the kids were in was so entertaining, that I would have loved to experience each place for just a bit longer. But, I suppose this is like many a book that I’ve read and loved—Ms. Dyer successfully left me wanting more!
August 28, 2017
I read this book at work for review for ROYAL and it was alright, but definitely not my favorite.
The story follows two young boys, Jake and Simon, as they move from Canada to England to stay with their young cousin, aunt, and uncle after an event in their family occurs and they can no longer maintain the cost of living in their home.
On their journey, they encounter a magician who gives them three magical items; a flying carpet, a stopwatch that can freeze time, and a camera that can put you into any picture, book, movie, or photograph.
I enjoyed the magical items and the whimsical nature of the book. Of course the two brothers and their cousin Hannah venture out into the city unchaperoned with their magical items and all kinds of shenanigans ensue. I also enjoyed that they seemed to be pretty smart kids and were able to easily adapt to every situation they found themselves in.
One con for me concerning this book was the bit of foreshadowing that insinuated one thing and then went in a totally different direction. I am all for plot twists, but this one felt especially odd for a children's book.
Overall, this was a very fast paced read, and the illustrations were a fun addition.
The story follows two young boys, Jake and Simon, as they move from Canada to England to stay with their young cousin, aunt, and uncle after an event in their family occurs and they can no longer maintain the cost of living in their home.
On their journey, they encounter a magician who gives them three magical items; a flying carpet, a stopwatch that can freeze time, and a camera that can put you into any picture, book, movie, or photograph.
I enjoyed the magical items and the whimsical nature of the book. Of course the two brothers and their cousin Hannah venture out into the city unchaperoned with their magical items and all kinds of shenanigans ensue. I also enjoyed that they seemed to be pretty smart kids and were able to easily adapt to every situation they found themselves in.
One con for me concerning this book was the bit of foreshadowing that insinuated one thing and then went in a totally different direction. I am all for plot twists, but this one felt especially odd for a children's book.
Overall, this was a very fast paced read, and the illustrations were a fun addition.
May 7, 2017
The genre of the book is a Fantasy science fiction. The age range for the book is 9-12 years old. The book is about two brothers Jake and Simon who had to move to England to live with their family. I rated the book at five stars because the book describes how two boys were given magic to make their own exciting experiences by riding on a magic carpet through London. The story made me feel like I was in the story riding beside the brothers on the carpet. Both brothers are fun but Jake is amusing in the story. The brothers were happy riding on the carpet but things went wrong and they had to find their way back. The story had crafty lines and a great plot. The language is easy to read but a little wordy. The story was humorous and adventurous. The illustrations were enlightening, creative and engaging. The images were in black and white however the front cover was colorful. The story is appealing for readers because it allow them to use their imagination how Jake and Simon are able too. I would use this book in the classroom by allowing the children to act out a skip of what they see is happening in the story.
September 13, 2017
. . . I'm glad it was short?
I think the intent was for this book to be a cross between the grotesque whimsy of Roald Dahl and the magic displayed in Diane Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle? At least, that's the sort of vibe I was getting. Premise was cool. You have three kids who get into mishaps throughout London after a magician gives the boys three magical items: a stopwatch that stops time, a magic flying carpet, and a camera that inserts the photographer into other pictures.
Unfortunately everything sort of falls apart. The boys feel no remorse for the fact that they are essentially contemplating grand theft (in fact theft is the oldest boy's first thought upon seeing that the magic items work). For some reason (which is hinted to be illegal) the boy's dad is in jail, forcing the family to move in with relatives in London. It's never explained very well. There are adventures. . . They are . . . kind of cliche? The little girl is almost entirely extraneous.
Thought this would be a quick, cute read for me, but it fell flat. 2/5 stars.
I think the intent was for this book to be a cross between the grotesque whimsy of Roald Dahl and the magic displayed in Diane Wynne Jones' Howl's Moving Castle? At least, that's the sort of vibe I was getting. Premise was cool. You have three kids who get into mishaps throughout London after a magician gives the boys three magical items: a stopwatch that stops time, a magic flying carpet, and a camera that inserts the photographer into other pictures.
Unfortunately everything sort of falls apart. The boys feel no remorse for the fact that they are essentially contemplating grand theft (in fact theft is the oldest boy's first thought upon seeing that the magic items work). For some reason (which is hinted to be illegal) the boy's dad is in jail, forcing the family to move in with relatives in London. It's never explained very well. There are adventures. . . They are . . . kind of cliche? The little girl is almost entirely extraneous.
Thought this would be a quick, cute read for me, but it fell flat. 2/5 stars.
January 27, 2018
Dyer, Heather Magic in the City 143 pgs., Kids can Press, $15.95, Language: G(0 swears, 0 “F”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G;
Jake and Simon Grubb are brothers who are moving to England to live with their aunt and cousin, and they are not happy about it whatsoever. When they are gifted with an old rug by a magician, they see that life may not be so bad, for this rug is magic. The adventure the two brothers and their cousin go on takes them through time and over raging seas. There is only one question: Will they be home in time for dinner?
This book was a fun and simple book. It was nice to read something that was geared toward upper elementary because it reminded me to notice the small, simple things in life.
EL, MS - ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: JM(9th grade)
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Jake and Simon Grubb are brothers who are moving to England to live with their aunt and cousin, and they are not happy about it whatsoever. When they are gifted with an old rug by a magician, they see that life may not be so bad, for this rug is magic. The adventure the two brothers and their cousin go on takes them through time and over raging seas. There is only one question: Will they be home in time for dinner?
This book was a fun and simple book. It was nice to read something that was geared toward upper elementary because it reminded me to notice the small, simple things in life.
EL, MS - ESSENTIAL Student Reviewer: JM(9th grade)
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
July 12, 2017
This book reminds me of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy 's immortal article about Earth: "Mostly harmless."
Actually, this book is entirely harmless, it's just innocuous. Another kids-are-unhappy, kids-get- magic-objects-from-a-mystery-person, kids-have-adventures, and in the end problems-get-solved-and-kids-live-happily-ever-after.
It's cute, and entertaining and an easy read. It's wish fulfillment.
Nothing more.
Actually, this book is entirely harmless, it's just innocuous. Another kids-are-unhappy, kids-get- magic-objects-from-a-mystery-person, kids-have-adventures, and in the end problems-get-solved-and-kids-live-happily-ever-after.
It's cute, and entertaining and an easy read. It's wish fulfillment.
Nothing more.
May 13, 2017
When Simon & Jake have to move to London with just their mom and not their dad, they aren’t happy. But that changes when a magician gives them a magic carpet, a stopwatch that stops time for everyone around you but not for yourself if you’re holding it, and a magic camera that puts you into the picture. While they’re having fun, their English cousin Hannah tries to keep them out of trouble but if you’re using magic to try robbery and visiting the Queen, things are going to go wrong. Grades 2-4
November 19, 2017
Brothers Jake, 11, and Simon, 6, are not too happy to be moving with their mom from their home in Canada to their aunt’s house in England. Their house has been repossessed and their dad is in prison.
Feeling discouraged, the boys are surprised when they encounter a magician on the streets of London that gives them three special objects: a carpet, a stopwatch, and a camera.
First they try out the magic carpet and sail all around London exploring all the big tourist attractions causing quite the stir.
Then their cousin Hannah, 10, joins them at Buckingham Palace where the true madcap adventures begin and carry them through space and time and allows them to meet dangerous and entertaining characters---even the Queen.
Younger readers looking for a fun, magical fantasy story will love this tale.
Feeling discouraged, the boys are surprised when they encounter a magician on the streets of London that gives them three special objects: a carpet, a stopwatch, and a camera.
First they try out the magic carpet and sail all around London exploring all the big tourist attractions causing quite the stir.
Then their cousin Hannah, 10, joins them at Buckingham Palace where the true madcap adventures begin and carry them through space and time and allows them to meet dangerous and entertaining characters---even the Queen.
Younger readers looking for a fun, magical fantasy story will love this tale.
November 8, 2018
Alice: 4 stars because it doesn't explain what happens once the boys go back to Canada.
Jenny: 5 stars. I really enjoyed this inventive story about some magical instruments and how the children learn to use them.
Jenny: 5 stars. I really enjoyed this inventive story about some magical instruments and how the children learn to use them.
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November 22, 2019This is a short easy novel that would be good for 3rd-6th graders, but for fantasy lovers of all ages. Three gift are given by a magician taking 3 brothers on a grand adventure that only magic could make.
July 7, 2017
A next step early chapter reader about magic, friendship and adventure.
June 17, 2019
3 Stars.
This was a nice story. A quick, easy read both fun and magical.
This was a nice story. A quick, easy read both fun and magical.
June 25, 2018
A very simplistic fantasy fiction book. Not much plot or character development. Easy chapter book for young readers
December 11, 2016
Was a really cute story for if you have young children to read it to. I thought the two boys were my favorite characters. Simon and Jake of course were the main characters. Hannah there cousin was okay, I just didn't relate to her as much.
I liked that it wasn't a long book, I started it last night and just finished it. I love magic in books, and who wouldn't want to ride on a magic carpet, like Aladdin. Or to stop time, and even go into a favorite painting of yours.
Thanks so much Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me this book to read and review.
I would recommend this book to young children, families that love to read books out loud to one another. And kids at heart.
I liked that it wasn't a long book, I started it last night and just finished it. I love magic in books, and who wouldn't want to ride on a magic carpet, like Aladdin. Or to stop time, and even go into a favorite painting of yours.
Thanks so much Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me this book to read and review.
I would recommend this book to young children, families that love to read books out loud to one another. And kids at heart.
November 3, 2016
Who didn't want magical powers when they were growing up. I know I certainly did. Still do as an adult. I did and still do spend time drifting off into my own little world. Spend time watching and visiting magical places in my books, and films.
Which is why I loved this book so much. I was sucked in from the start with a wonderful bio and a beautiful cover I couldn't wait to leap in and be escorted to far of places, and daring adventures. With a wonderful story and characters you will love. This book is magical.
One for all to enjoy.
Thank you to kids can press, NetGalley and Heather Dyer for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review
Happy reading everyone
Which is why I loved this book so much. I was sucked in from the start with a wonderful bio and a beautiful cover I couldn't wait to leap in and be escorted to far of places, and daring adventures. With a wonderful story and characters you will love. This book is magical.
One for all to enjoy.
Thank you to kids can press, NetGalley and Heather Dyer for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review
Happy reading everyone
November 18, 2016
This is a lovely early readers fantasy adventure.
The focus is on three children, who meet a magician and are given 3 magical objects which facilitate various adventures in the book. With echoes of my favourite childhood reads by E. Nesbit, it was a nice reminder of what it is to be enveloped in an effortless child's read.
I really enjoyed the visions of London the children experienced and particularly the adventures in Buckingham Palace.
This is a great book for the early reader in your life as well as those who are young at heart.
Thank you for my advanced read NetGalley.
The focus is on three children, who meet a magician and are given 3 magical objects which facilitate various adventures in the book. With echoes of my favourite childhood reads by E. Nesbit, it was a nice reminder of what it is to be enveloped in an effortless child's read.
I really enjoyed the visions of London the children experienced and particularly the adventures in Buckingham Palace.
This is a great book for the early reader in your life as well as those who are young at heart.
Thank you for my advanced read NetGalley.
February 1, 2017
Super cute children's book about three children who own a magic carpet, camera, and stop watch. The character's were pretty detailed; Jake (a know-it-all preteen), Simon (easy going), and Hannah (the responsible one). The story details how they use each of the magical items and how they learn that being with family is really the best magic there is.
February 20, 2017
For those that have enjoyed books by Ruth Chew, this is for you. A little more into the 21st century, this was a fun and enjoyable read. I look forward to more adventures!
I received this ebook from NetGalley for my honest review.
I received this ebook from NetGalley for my honest review.
Want to read
November 21, 2016Note: I accessed digital review copies of this book through Edelweiss and NetGalley.
November 7, 2016
This is a wonderful children’s story that has elements of siblinghood, magic, the Queen, Buckingham Palace and various other tourist attractions and innocent good heartedness. Highly recommended!
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April 14, 2017A digitized ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review WIP
Review WIP
October 14, 2018
Easy book for children to read and an interesting take on magical items.
March 30, 2017
In my youth I loved Edward Eager and E. Nesbit. Eager was a little easier to read then Nesbit but the stories of children having adventures with magical objects and brings was always fun to read about.
In this book, there is that same spirit of adventure, of kids that are also using the magic to solve adult size problems, themselves. In this case the problem is that they have had to give up their home in Canada because they don't have the money to pay the mortgage. As much as they want to explore London, they really want to be home.
Magical objects are always more than they seem and never do exactly what you think they are going to do, and this is so in this case. And unlike earlier children's books where the parents are oblivious to the kids, the parents are very aware that something is going on.
This is a fast read with twists and turns, time travel, time stoppage and the queen of England.
Look forward to a possible sequel.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review
In this book, there is that same spirit of adventure, of kids that are also using the magic to solve adult size problems, themselves. In this case the problem is that they have had to give up their home in Canada because they don't have the money to pay the mortgage. As much as they want to explore London, they really want to be home.
Magical objects are always more than they seem and never do exactly what you think they are going to do, and this is so in this case. And unlike earlier children's books where the parents are oblivious to the kids, the parents are very aware that something is going on.
This is a fast read with twists and turns, time travel, time stoppage and the queen of England.
Look forward to a possible sequel.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review
April 2, 2017
A chance encounter with a retiring magician sets three cousins, Jake, Hannah, and Simon, off on an incredulous adventure. A flying carpet transports them around the city where they get lost in Buckingham Palace, a magic camera takes them back in time to meet Sir Raleigh, and they get into trouble with a watch that stops time. Magic in the City by Heather Dyer is a cute story and is very fast-paced. It will appeal to younger readers as they embark on the adventures that Jake, Hannah, and Simon have. The book wraps up with a happy ending due to a chance encounter with the Queen of England. Who would have imagined that a forced trip to London could have ended this way?
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for an e-copy of this book. All opinions above are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for an e-copy of this book. All opinions above are my own.
April 4, 2017
I found the three child protagonists all appealing and believable. The boys, in particular, I thought were done well. I also very much liked the way Dyer handled the major life event that brought the boys and their mother across to resettle in Britain – I had assumed one thing was the problem, but it turned out to be something quite different. And I also liked the way Jake’s mind worked in his attempts to fix things – it was such a childlike way of looking at how to deal with it. Dyer has clearly spent time around children of this age and manages to depict them in crisis without assuming they will behave as adult do – they don’t. She also managed to show the depth of their trauma without telling us, so if the readers don’t know what they are looking at, they’ll likely miss it. Which is just fine as far as I’m concerned. Young readers without this sort of damage in their lives won’t necessarily pick up the extent of their suffering.
Dyer also serves up a fair dollop of humour along with the chaos and excitement. I love the depiction of the Queen – whether or not it’s correct, I thought it was a delight. Overall, this is charming, enjoyable book that delivers an engrossing magical adventure with some hefty family issues wrapped up in the story that will speak to the many fatherless children out there. Recommended for independent readers between eight and eleven years old, depending on maturity.
While I obtained the arc of Magic in the City from the publisher via NetGalley, this has in no way influenced my unbiased review.
8/10
Dyer also serves up a fair dollop of humour along with the chaos and excitement. I love the depiction of the Queen – whether or not it’s correct, I thought it was a delight. Overall, this is charming, enjoyable book that delivers an engrossing magical adventure with some hefty family issues wrapped up in the story that will speak to the many fatherless children out there. Recommended for independent readers between eight and eleven years old, depending on maturity.
While I obtained the arc of Magic in the City from the publisher via NetGalley, this has in no way influenced my unbiased review.
8/10
Want to read
April 18, 2017Wow my first giveaway win!!!! I cant wait to read this book. Sounds like a read adventure read!!!
April 24, 2017
With fantasy becoming such a dominate genre in the last 20 years (Thanks Harry Potter!) there have been many books published in that genre with more coming out every year. It also seems though that as more fantasy books have been published they have also gotten longer with many fantasy books becoming series. Now I have nothing against series, in fact, I love series, they allow me to meet favorite characters again. But for younger readers who aren't ready for big, long fantasy series there is a lot less to choose from. That is why I'm delighted to highlight Magic in the City. Not only is a stand alone novel, but it's an easy read with lots of action and interesting things going on. This is a fantasy to hand to a reluctant reader.
The story focuses on Jake and Simon Grubb who have left their home in Canada to come stay with their cousin Hannah. But neither of them is happy about leaving their home, father, and friends behind. Things take a turn for the more interesting however when they meet a magician getting rid of his magical equipment. They end up with a stopwatch, a camera, and a carpet, all of which the magician claims are magical. When the claims turn out to be true, Jake, Simon, and Hannah end up on the adventure of a lifetime involving flying over the city of London, visiting Buckingham Palace, and traveling through time. Unfortunately, like most adventures, things go wrong from the beginning and the children must find a way back to where they started before it's too late.
There is much here to enjoy as Hannah tries desperately to stop her cousins from getting into trouble (she fails). The variety of adventures and the twist at the end make for an entertaining and quick read.
The story focuses on Jake and Simon Grubb who have left their home in Canada to come stay with their cousin Hannah. But neither of them is happy about leaving their home, father, and friends behind. Things take a turn for the more interesting however when they meet a magician getting rid of his magical equipment. They end up with a stopwatch, a camera, and a carpet, all of which the magician claims are magical. When the claims turn out to be true, Jake, Simon, and Hannah end up on the adventure of a lifetime involving flying over the city of London, visiting Buckingham Palace, and traveling through time. Unfortunately, like most adventures, things go wrong from the beginning and the children must find a way back to where they started before it's too late.
There is much here to enjoy as Hannah tries desperately to stop her cousins from getting into trouble (she fails). The variety of adventures and the twist at the end make for an entertaining and quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews