Magic in the City

In this brisk and breezy adventure, siblings Jake, 11, and Simon, six, are unhappy about moving with their mother to London from Canada. While Simon is curious about living in a new city with his aunt, uncle, and 10-year-old cousin, Hannah, both boys are upset to leave behind their father, dog, and the house they can no longer afford. During a quick stop at a magician’s stall on the way to their aunt’s home, the boys are given a stopwatch, camera, and rug, all of which turn out to have magical properties. Jake concocts a plan to rob the Bank of London, in order to buy back their house in Canada, but a stopover at Buckingham Palace results in Jake and Hannah getting trapped in a painting (via the camera) and Simon meeting the Queen; both events set the boys and their family on a new course. Dyer (Ibby’s Magic Weekend) creates sympathetic characters in ever-curious Simon; Jake, whose anger over his lost home is deeply felt; and Hannah, who must work up her courage to join the adventure. Ages 7–10. [em](Apr.) [/em]