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Magical Children
The Smallest Girl Ever
Ruby Genie is an orphan. Everyone expects her to have the same fantastic magical powers as her famous parents did, but Ruby can't do any magic at all - or so she thinks. and feels a complete failure. Then she begins to get smaller ...and smaller ...and smaller. With a cast of unforgettable characters such as the self-important magician the Great Alfonso, and Aunt Hat the kindly lady conjuror who is hopeless at doing tricks, this wonderful story is full of adventure and shows how a little girl who is so tiny that she fits into a handbag can still be clever and brave and find people to love and value her.
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
About the author
Sally Gardner
107 books605 followersAKA Wray Delaney
Sally Gardner grew up and still lives in London. Being dyslexic, she did not learn to read or write until she was fourteen and had been thrown out of several schools, labeled unteachable, and sent to a school for maladjusted children. Despite this, she gained a degree with highest honors at a leading London art college, followed by a scholarship to a theater school, and then went on to become a very successful costume designer, working on some notable productions.
After the births of twin daughters and a son, she started first to illustrate and then to write picture books and chapter books, usually with fairytale- or otherwise magical subject matter. She has been called 'an idiosyncratic genius' by London’s Sunday Times.
Sally Gardner grew up and still lives in London. Being dyslexic, she did not learn to read or write until she was fourteen and had been thrown out of several schools, labeled unteachable, and sent to a school for maladjusted children. Despite this, she gained a degree with highest honors at a leading London art college, followed by a scholarship to a theater school, and then went on to become a very successful costume designer, working on some notable productions.
After the births of twin daughters and a son, she started first to illustrate and then to write picture books and chapter books, usually with fairytale- or otherwise magical subject matter. She has been called 'an idiosyncratic genius' by London’s Sunday Times.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 2, 2018
A charming little story that perfectly shows how important it is to be recognised for your own abilities.
Ruby is the only daughter of two magnificent magicians. She is convinced that she doesn’t have a magical bone in her body, and when her parents both die she is left alone.
The only place that will take her in is a low-grade Wizarding school. Nobody can believe that the daughter of such talented magicians has so little skill.
Ruby is kidnapped by someone hungry for power and then rescued by Aunt Hat. Together these two learn how sometimes talent just needs the right conditions to grow.
Ruby is the only daughter of two magnificent magicians. She is convinced that she doesn’t have a magical bone in her body, and when her parents both die she is left alone.
The only place that will take her in is a low-grade Wizarding school. Nobody can believe that the daughter of such talented magicians has so little skill.
Ruby is kidnapped by someone hungry for power and then rescued by Aunt Hat. Together these two learn how sometimes talent just needs the right conditions to grow.
July 25, 2012
I remember being in year 6 - 11 years old - and reading this in our 'guided reading' session just before lunchtime. With a group of 5 of us reading and discussing each chapter it probably took us about a week and I enjoyed it. The story was sweet, although I hardly remember it as I read this almost 3 years ago.
February 7, 2017
I love your book it is brilliant
January 13, 2023
A light read but ever so fascinating. Even though the title mislead me at first, I find this book a must read no matter what rank of ages because it is a amazing story about a little girl named Ruby Genie. She is an orphan. Everyone expects her to have the same fantastic magical powers as her parents did, but Ruby can't do any magic at all. This book is by Sally Gradner (one of my favourtie Authors). Sally Gardner grew up and still lives in London. Being dyslexic, she did not learn to read or write until she was fourteen and had been thrown out of several schools but she is one of the best authors. She makes small books but good books. If you read this and want more from this author then read The Strongest Girl In The World or The Invisible Boy.
August 26, 2015
Un libro delicioso tengas la edad que tengas pero sin duda altamente recomendable para cualquier niño. Una obra cuyas páginas vuelan y están llenas de magia, de la de varita y de la del corazón.
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April 9, 2010
This book was fine as a quick read with a five-year-old, but it was listed as being 2-4th grade, or 9-12 y-o level, and I think anyone that old would be disappointed.
May 5, 2013
A light read but ever so fascinating. Even though the title mislead me at first, I find this book a must read no matter what rank of ages
October 31, 2013
this book is my favorite and this book is my favorite book by my favorite author sally x
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews