Kids into Books: Jane and the Magician

Author: Martin Baynton

Illustrator: Martin Baynton

Publisher: Walker Books, $12.95

Age Group: 5+ years

Jane was a knight. Not a pretend knight, but a fully qualified, highly trained Knight of the King's Guard.

One morning, Jane was polishing her armour when the dragon and the jester came by with royal news.

"We have been called to a meeting," said the jester.

"The Prince has got a royal cold," said the dragon, "and the King wants to cheer him up with a party."

* * *

"Where is my magician?" boomed the King. "We can't have a party without magic tricks."

"He's gone," said Jane. "He couldn't make a rain spell to water your flowers, so you sent him away."

"And now I want him back!" roared the King.

"We'll find him," cried the Captain of the Guard.

"We'll scour the land!" cheered the knights bravely.

"No," said the King, "you will stay and practise a song for the party. Jane and her dragon will find our missing magician."

* Tomorrow: A wet and watery problem.