In The Invisible Day, Marthe Jocelyn does an excellent job in capturing the frame of mind of many 10-year-olds. She demonstrates how Billie and many other children of Billie's age, who are bordering on the edge of childhood and adolescence, desire independence. The story revolves around Billie's discovery and experimentation with a magic powder that quickly gives Billie the independence she longs for when she surprisingly finds she has become invisible. Though her initial reaction is one of joy, because her invisibility allows her to be an unknown observer at school, she quickly realizes she will have to explain her absence to the teachers and her mother. Immediately, Billie and her best friend, Hubert, embark on an exciting adventure in the city to find the owner of the purse and hopefully the antidote for the powder. Throughout the journey, readers will easily identify with the children's mixed emotions that range from the excitement of the situation to their fear of the unknown.

Within the story, Jocelyn touches on and incorporates many significant issues that are relevant to children of this age group, such as friendship, sibling rivalry, peer pressure, and the parent/child relationship. The reader's attention is continually held as the "invisible Billie" finds herself in unusual circumstances and playing mischievous tricks. Adding further appeal to books are its short chapters and the addition of numerous cartoon-like drawings which humorously capture many of the special moments throughout the book.

The Invisible Day is recommended for its entertainment value and its ability to activate readers' imagination and to cause them to ponder their own responses to the question, "What would I do if I were invisible for a day?"

Recommended.