Read Online Be a Genie in Six Easy Steps by Linda Chapman - Free Book Online Page A

silver top that just showed off her tummy. And she wanted a turban—a red one with a big emerald in the center. That just left her face. No moustache, she thought firmly. No beard, either. Shutting her eyes, she imagined herself until the image was so real she felt as if she could reach out and touch the genie Milly.
    Now! she thought.
    She rapped quickly on the inside of the lamp. There was the familiar warm swirling sensation. Jess must be rubbing the side , she realized, but no sooner than the thought had formed, she found herself shooting upward. She burst out of the lamp in a shower of silver sparks.
    â€œHey!” she gasped, landing on the carpet and holding out her arms.
    â€œYou look great, Milly!” Jess exclaimed, with a tinge of envy.
    Milly went to the mirror. She looked just like she’d imagined herself—only better. The trousers were embroidered with silver thread and the material glittered and shone, her silver top sparkled, and the emerald in her turban glowed. Best of all, she had no moustache! “Cool,” she breathed.
    Skribble nodded in approval. “May I say what a delightful genie you make, Milly.”
    â€œAnd may I say, I’m starving,” said Michael grumpily. “It’s way past lunchtime.”
    Milly frowned. “How can you think about food? We’re doing magic!”
    â€œEven trainee genies need to eat,” said Michael. “Come on, sis, change back.”
    â€œBut there is still much to do,” Skribble protested. “Youall need to try harder! You must practice, over and over!”
    â€œMaybe we’ll do better on a full stomach,” said Jess. “We can practice again after we’ve eaten.”
    Milly sighed, shut her eyes, and whizzed back into the lamp. She heard Jess say, “Genie be free!” Then she popped out of the spout, full-size again. Michael and Jason were already leaving the room. Jess put the lamp down on her bed, and followed them out. Skribble was left looking quite forlorn, his head peeping from the book.
    â€œWe’ll be back soon, Skribble,” Milly said, looking into his little eyes. “Thank you for helping me with my genie look!”
    The worm looked pleased. “Yes, well…hurry back quickly, my dear. There is no time to be complacent!”
    Milly grinned and ran downstairs after Jess and the others. She found them in the kitchen looking in the fridge.
    â€œI really can’t face pizza again,” Jess sighed. “I think I’ll just make myself a sandwich.”
    Milly looked at the rock-hard remains of a loaf on the breadboard. “With that? You’ll need a chain saw to cut through it.”
    â€œThere are some old baked beans and a bit of cheese in the fridge,” Jason observed. “We could use our imaginations and do something with them.”
    â€œBetter than doing something with this.” Michael weighed the half loaf in both hands. “This isn’t food anymore; it’s an offensive weapon.” As if to prove his point, he dropped it on Jason’s foot.
    â€œOw!” Jason started hopping around the room. Jess gave Michael a cross shove. Michael gave her one back.
    â€œYou’re right, Jase!” Milly said suddenly.
    â€œWhat about?” said Jason, still clutching his toes.
    â€œIt’s like you said—we should use our imaginations. Worlds of appearance and change!”
    Jason stopped hopping as he realized what she meant. “You mean we could use magic?” He pulled the cheddar out of the fridge. “We could change this old cheese and the bread—”
    â€œInto a delicious mega-feast!” Milly nodded quickly.
    â€œThat’s actually a cool idea,” said Michael, looking impressed.
    â€œBrilliant!” said Jess. “We could have proper food for a change.”
    â€œDo you think we’re allowed to use magic for that?” said Jason.
    Milly ran to the door.