Little Genie: Make a Wish (Little Genie)

Rating:
Summary: Not a great series intro--but I still have hope for the rest
Review: Although I think girls around the age of 9 might enjoy this book, it wasn't one of my favorites (I'm a mom of 3 kids, 7 and under.)

I found the basic story line (3 wishes gone slightly wrong)a cliche idea that simply wasn't redeemed by enough fresh material. Granted, at that young age, this idea could conceivably work as it will be newer to the audience.

But the genie with a blond ponytail is from the 60's (sound vaguely familiar?), the girl's name is Ali, and the attempt at creating a unique voice relies on using 60's slang--much of which will go right over elementary kids' heads.

I was also dissapointed at Ali's motivation and weakness as a protagonist. When she wishes for the first thing she sees (a tiger--how smart is this girl really?) the genie turns it into a nice fluffy, small, purple tiger, and says the tiger will go away when the sand in her little hour glass runs out. The problem then becomes how to figure out what the tiger eats, which makes no sense to me since it's going to be disappearing soon anyway. I had a hard time liking a protagonist who sort of ran around wishing silly things and didn't do much of brilliance or bravery.

However, I believe Ms. Jones could use this idea in clever ways and I'm hoping her sequels are better than this intro to the series.

I think it has some kid appeal (magic and tigers and boy bands--oh my) but I am definitely not going to enjoy reading it out loud to my children.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Book!
Review: I am happy to have discovered the "Little Genie" series!
I enjoyed the story, I found it funny and very engaging. Also, I just loved the illustrations! They fit so nicely with the story.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the "Little Genie" series.

Rating:
Summary: excellent book
Review: This Little Genie book, "Make a Wish", is really great! It is imaginative and funny, and has a really good story. The pictures are really great, too. I highly recommend this book, and can't wait to read the next one!