Phoebe's parents, who are magicians, forbid her to enter the magic room where they work, until an accident shrinks them to tiny size and they need her help in returning to normal.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
PreSchool-Grade 3 Dupuy's softly colored and often amusing illustrations are far more successful than Spencer's sappy story about a little girl who craves her parents' attention. The constant use of questions to readers is annoying, as is the incessant presence of the narrator's voice. The worst transgression, though, is not making a clear distinction between magician and scientist ; instead, the words are used interchangeably. Phoebe's mother and father, who call themselves scientists, spend all of their time experimenting, ignoring Phoebe. When an accident in the lab causes her parents to shrink to four inches tall, Phoebe takes care of them, plays with them, and gradually brings them back to their own size through laughter. Unnecessary explanations abound, almost as though the author assumes that children are unable to assimilate information and draw conclusions (``she was still hoping, you see. . .''). Certainly many children dream of having doll-sized parents that they can controlbut the treatment is too condescending here. Trev Jones, ``School Library Journal''
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Phoebe's parents are busy, serious sorts; they have little time for her, especially when they work in their secret laboratory at night. An accident there shrinks them to doll-size figures, a condition that Phoebe realizes can be reversed only with laughter. This therapy is effective, and it brings the family together as well. Spencer, author of Endless Love and other books for adults, has not succeeded in writing from a child's point of view. His text abounds with intrusive, direct addresses to the reader ("Do you know what I mean by a miracle?" he asks at one point); these create a distance and are likely to strike children as condescending. And he fantasy is contrived and unconvincing. Dupuy's paintings, though realistic and technically accomplished, are uninspiring. Ages 4-7.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
FREE shipping within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsSeller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Coco Dupuy (illustrator). Very Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # S25A-02697
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. Coco Dupuy (illustrator). Good condition. Good dust jacket. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains. Bundled media such as CDs, DVDs, floppy disks or access codes may not be included. Seller Inventory # V18H-01197
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Wonder Book, Frederick, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: As New. Coco Dupuy (illustrator). Like New condition. Like New dust jacket. A near perfect copy that may have very minor cosmetic defects. Seller Inventory # W01A-03151
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Half Price Books Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Coco Dupuy (illustrator). Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_428532485
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: ThriftBooks-Dallas, Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fair. No Jacket. Coco Dupuy (illustrator). Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0517564513I5N00
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Blue Marble Books LLC, Fort Thomas, KY, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. Dupuy, Coco (illustrator). 1st Edition. 1st/1st. DJ has store sticker on back. Illustrated by Coco Dupuy. A little girl enters her parent's secret laboratory, the Magic Room and accidentally shrinks them! Seller Inventory # 2892
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: H&S, Graham, WA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. Coco Dupuy (illustrator). 1st Edition. Magicians for parents of a child who grows up in a magic house. Archival jacket on DJ makes it look cloudy, book/DJ fine condition. Seller Inventory # 309
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Grendel Books, ABAA/ILAB, Springfield, MA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. Illustrated by Coco Dupuy (illustrator). First printing. About fine in like dust jacket. Seller Inventory # 105884
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Windy Hill Books, Bacova, VA, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. Coco Dupuy (illustrator). First edition, First Printing. Hard Cover. Fine in a Near Fine dustjacket. Dj is very lightly soiled, else fine. Seller Inventory # 032250
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Between the Covers-Rare Books, Inc. ABAA, Gloucester City, NJ, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. First edition. Quarto. Pictures by Coco Dupuy. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Seller Inventory # 504350
Quantity: 1 available