"The best kind of book" says Barnaby "is a magic book". This Eager truism, reflected in the words of one of the gangsters here, has double meaning, in both the Eager philosophy and this new and refreshing dip into the world of fantasy. Little Fredericka began the whole adventure by wishing on what appeared to be an ordinary book. Her wish for wizards and witches and green dragons- comes true partially, as Fredericka is swept away in a mist of purple smoke. Primarily it proves to Barnaby, John, Susan and Abbie that the book is quite special. Handling it with tentative suspicion, the children are amazed that their own lives are recreated in the first chapter -- everything they did that morning is there is black and white. Elated and trembling, they realize their future is about to unfold in the next seven days. Though Barnaby is intent on understanding the magic contained, logic and control do not prevent an exciting adventure on a snow covered prairie, encounters with many strange and exciting people, and a nationwide television spectacular. Yet none of these things is completely incredible, for they occur within the boundaries of a real world. Fantasy and fact live compatibly side by side in this delightful addition to Hall Magic. The Time Garden. The Well Wishers and other Eager favorites.
