THE WIZARD'S MAP Tartan Magic Book 1 Harcourt Brace 1999 ISBN# 0-15-202067-5 Harcourt hardcover ISBN# 0-15-216365-4 Magic Carpet paperback

hardcover

paperback

The first book in the Tartan Magic series. (The second is THE PICTISH CHILD, the third THE BAGPIPER'S GHOST.) An American family comes to Scotland for the summer and immediately falls into magic. Twins Jennifer and Peter try to rescue their four-year old sister who has been captured by the wicked wizard, Michael Scot. (Actually a real character out of Scottish history!) He says he's willing to trade her for the map which they've found, but they are smart enough to realize they can't trust him. The setting is in Fairburn, a made-up city that feels a lot like St. Andrews where my husband and I spend our summers. (But don't tell anyone.) There's a dour talking dog who speaks in Scottish dialect and a trio of enchanted animals--dragon, unicorn, hound. I've appended a helpful glossary of Scottish words in the back of the book. Wizard's Map is on the 2003 Massachusetts Book Award master list.

       Available in hardcover and paperback.

I patterned the garden in Wizard's Map after our Scottish garden.

and the medieval gate the kids see when they first enter Fairburn after the West Port in St Andrews.

What reviewers have said: "The action never flags, making this a sure bet for fantasy and adventure fans."--Booklist

"I thoroughly enjoyed this short novel from beginning to end. . .This title is a great addition to the fantasy genre, and it's the perfect length for upper-elementary book reports."--Library Talk

"This book is a fast-paced fantasy and adventure story that will keep those pages turning until the stunning conclusion."--NIE Newspapers in Education

"Yolen has once again given us a fine new series of fantasy stories. Set in Scotland and populated by American children and Scottish family members, the story includes an old wizard and a member of the oldest race in Scotland. . . . a quick and enjoyable read." -Kliatt

Greenman review.

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