Secrets of the Magic Ring

Gr 4–6—Paul's wealthy but unpleasant Aunt Vicky inexplicably offers to pay for the installation of a swimming pool in his backyard. The nine-year-old is surprised and over the moon when his parents accept her offer. Checking out the progress the workers are making, Paul stumbles upon a box stuck in the side of the hole they've dug. The box contains a ring that fits him perfectly and instructions for using it to make a wish. Through a series of events, the ring falls into the hands of many people, each one unknowingly wishing for powers that could lead to potentially disastrous results. Luckily for Paul and his family and friends, they are all being watched over by fairies that are able to quietly influence human thoughts. Nick Podehl provides spot-on narration for McQuestion's entertaining fantasy (Amazon Children's Pub., 2011), deftly switching among the voices of the many characters—his characterization of Clem, the dog who wishes for the power to talk like a human, is the most entertaining. A fun listen.—Jennifer Verbrugge, Dakota County Library, Eagan, MN