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.

The second book in Sally Gardner's Magical Children series, about children empowered by special gifts, is utterly charming, full of feeling, and very funny. Her own delightful line drawings all the way through make it a very attractive package.