Linda Chapman (1) (1969–)

A fun book aimed at primary school aged children, where Maia and her friends are chosen by special magical animals from the Star World, and get magical powers. Their magic happens when they learn to be present in the moment, and is used for things like healing and rescuing animals and stopping people being angry and grumpy.

It's a short and sweet novel, that is clearly the set up for the rest of the series. I'd like to know who is causing the Dark Magic to happen, and how Ionie (who is clever show more and a little bit too know-it-all, but basically Good) manages to integrate herself with the rest of the gang, but probably don't want to know enough to read another 7 books... show less

The second in the series, and another quick and easy read. I like the four friends, and I like their star animals, and I like their magic. I particularly love clever and socially awkward Ionie, who wants to be friends but always ends up being a bit know it all and condescending.

This sequel to Chapman and Cole's "Be a Genie in Six Easy Steps", which I hadn't read was quite amusing and though predictable for me (an adult), I think kids would quite enjoy it. Although I would put it at the lower end of the recommended reading age....8-10. Note that it does take place in England, so some of the language might be a bit odd for American children.

Jess, Michael, Jason, and Milly are a blended family (the J's go together and the M's go together biologically) who in the first show more book apparently met a genie and actually had genie powers themselves for a while. Now, since they have had one experience with magic, we are told that they are destined to have more.

Enter Fenella the Phoenix....THE one and only, who eternally dies and the rises again from her ashes. Odd thing is, she's laid an egg and would love to have a chick for company. However, the Genie from the first story (Skribble) has told her she needs 4 things to make the egg hatch. So, the kids travel off through time and around the world in search of these 4 items. (Phoenix feathers have wonderful powers of time travel.)

In return, Fenella promises them some Phoenix gold. Michael is anxious to impress his friends with his new wealth, while Jess worries about her history exams, Jason wants to overcome his lack of sporting ability and Milly is worried about getting the lead in "Annie". Throughout, they all find that the items they are collecting might, coincidentally, help them accomplish these things. However, magic rarely works the way you hope it will....and they each learn an important lesson about being themselves, dealing with friends, and believing in their unique talents.

Probably by 6th grade, the book would be a bit hokey, but for good younger readers, I believe it would hold their attention and they could relate to the characters. Overall, I enjoyed it and wanted to finish reading it to find out how everything turned out. It would also make a good read aloud or read along book - then the adult could explain some of the British terms. show less

Little Kid Reaction: This book was moderately funny, and I think it would be hilarious for young readers. The book is appropriate for all ages, and I recommend it for young readers in elementary or middle school. I would recommend it as a gift because it is quite entertaining.

Big Kid Reaction: Be a Genie revived bedtime story reading in our house! We read this with our 11-year-old from start to finish over several nights. There was just enough suspense to keep us going, and plenty of humor, show more too.

Pros: This is an action-packed, humorous and wholesome story that can be shared with kids of all ages.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®. show less