In the beginning, before time had a name and legends were still brand new, Ishmalan existed. It was a paradise where no one aged, and every adult, child, and animal was loved. The island never stayed in one place for more than seven hours, seven minutes and seven seconds. The magic of this place was due to three large rubies.One stormy night, a nasty pirate by the name of Blackscratch, is washed up on the shores of Ishmalan. Although treated well, he is consumed with greed. Jewels mean nothing to the Islanders, as even the cows wear diamonds and sapphires around their necks. Although Blackscratch is given 100 sacks of jewels, he steals the three rubies. With the rubies gone, the island and all the inhabitants turn to stone.When Blackscratch returns home, he discovers that all the jewels have turned to rocks and the rubies are gone. All that remains is a riddle and an emerald, which holds the spirit of the protector of the three rubies. Blackscratch is told by the protector that he will live forever in poverty until he can find a sea captain who is "fine and true" and will promise that either he or his descendants will return the rubies to Ishmalan. Thus begins this children's adventure.Carola O'Brien wrote her first story when she was six. Her inspiration: "Animals, children, Lewis Carroll, Kenneth Grahame and their fervent belief in all things magical." Born in Cheshire, England, she now lives in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.Publisher's Website: http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/BobbyDazzlerAndTheThreeRubiesOfIshmalan.html