The Lost Palace

A traditional story involving a magic carpet is given a new twist. Beatrice Daisy is an old lady with a mind as sharp as a tack. She has always longed for an adventure. When a magic carpet is delivered to her house she wants to try it out immediately but doesn't because her grandchildren are coming to stay; they find it and she is only just in time to join them before it takes off. In the twinkling of an eye they are transported to a place that seems both strange and familiar. They meet a variety of characters, both human and animal - some needing help, some offering help and some bent on frustrating them. They soon realise that the carpet will not do as it's told and will only help them when it sees fit; they have to think for themselves and look after each other. Written in a gentle and ironic style, this book follows a journey of discovery for everyone. It can be read as a symbolic re-awakening for an old lady or as a simple adventure story and will appeal to both grown-ups and thoughtful children. There is a shorter version, Adventure to the Lost Palace, telling the story only from the children's point of view.