Seven is a magic number, and Simon is delighted when he is given his great-grandfather's Magic Box on his seventh birthday. As he gazes at all the tricks inside – the disappearing coin, the wine glass with unspillable wine, the packs of cards and many more – he has no idea of what a magician he will become. Strange things start to happen. Who is this eccentric little man he meets in the garden? How do his new friends manage to vanish into thin air? What can he do when he turns the dentist into a toad?

Marjorie-Ann Watts combines the everyday with the extraordinary in the surprising adventures of Simon and his dubious companions, and relates the transformation of Simon's holiday at his grandmother's house with verve and humour. Bridging reality and fantasy, this tale will fascinate children everywhere. Ideal for 7-9 year olds.

1. The Magic Box
2. SuperNab
3. Visitors
4. Spells
5. More Spells
6. Grandmother's Footsteps
7. The Invisible Child
8. Real Magic at Last
9. Riding High

Marjorie-Ann Watts has written – and also illustrated – many children's books. She has been a teacher and has worked in publishing. She has contributed to various programmes for radio and television. She is married with two sons, and lives in London.