Ruby Rosemount and the Travellers Telescope

Jodie Brownlee (author)

Scholastic, Australia: 2006; 276pp

ISBN: 1862916241

Genres: adventure, fantasy, mystery

Issues: friendship

Ruby Rosemount is half-genie. She discovered this when a magic carpet arrived the previous year and carried her off to visit her grandmother, Zola McQuirky, in the Mirage, a place of colour, magic and occasional mayhem.

This year she is still trying to learn magic, despite her mother's determination that they should live a ‘normal' life in Paddington Street. Her grandmother sends her lessons via the mail wind but Ruby finds it very difficult to levitate or cast charms, although she has had a little success with permeating doors.

Then Granny McQuirky and some friends need to use the Travellers Telescope that is kept in the attic - and all sorts of strange things start to happen. Mrs Pinkus from next door disappears, Black Water is stolen from the Hidden Valley, and Ruby's own house is burnt to the ground. When they seek refuge in the Mirage while her mother sorts out housing arrangements, Ruby finds that she is finally able to learn magic, although not quite the type she had in mind.

It seems that not only is Ruby's life is in danger, but that her beloved grandmother is to be charged with stealing Black Water. Ruby and her friends must find the real culprit if they are to stop Granny McQuirky from being bottled, the worst fate that can befall any genie.

The sequel to Ruby Rosemount and the Magic Carpet is just as lively, imaginative and action-packed as the first novel in the series. Jodie Brownlee has crafted a delightful combination of mystery, adventure and fantasy that will appeal to most young readers. Winged camels, a temperamental magic carpet, a strangler turban, and a cast of colourful (literally) characters make this a charming read.