Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Tashi and the Genie
Illustrator:
Series
For ages 5 to 7
Allen and Unwin, 2007 ISBN: 978-1741149685
One day Tashi is out in the shed getting some nails when he finds an old bowl. He is amazed when he discovers that a genuine genie is living in the bowl. Remembering what he has been told about genies Tashi demands that the genie grant him three wishes.
The first thing Tashi asks for is a big bag of gold. Unfortunately Tashi soon discovers that the gold is not the real thing. It is only copper covered with gold. For his second wish Tashi asks for a flying carpet. Once again his wish goes wrong when the flying carpet turns out to be a wild thing which does not want to be ridden. For his final wish Tashi asks to see his long absent Uncle Tiki Pu. Alas, this wish also turns out badly for Tashi soon finds out that Uncle Tiki Pu is an awful man whom no one in their right mind would want to have around. Now what is Tashi going to do? He is out of wishes and he is stuck with an uncle who is unbearable.
In this altogether deliciously funny fourth Tashi book readers will get two enjoy two new Tashi tales. Not only does Tashi find a way to overcome his genie problems, but he also finds a way to turn the tables on his old enemy, the war lord. With wonderful illustrations throughout, this is a book for young readers which is entertaining and at the same time it offers children the opportunity to really exercise their growing reading muscles.