SOLVED. children's book, finds a box of potions and such [s]

[Rezikiel]

A child walks down a strange dead-end alley and finds a box with all kinds of potions and magic stuff. S/he goes through interesting experiences using the magic.

[Emily]

This doesn't sound familiar to me, but more information may help others recognize it. Is it an illustrated picture book or a chapter book? Approximately what year was it that you read it?

[Ann aka Iftcan]

hum, the child didn't FIND the box, but could it possibly be The Ogre Downstairs by Diana Wynne Jones. This was a lovely childrens (about 10 to 14 or so age group) book about a couple of boys who are given "chemistry" sets that have a "Second" layer that actually has alchemical items in it. It comes from the the "little hole in the wall shop" that disappears at the end of the book.

[Rezikiel]

Hi Ann. No, but thanks for the idea.
Emily, I read it in maybe 1980. I think it's not a picture book. I think it's a chapter book, but I think it's short.
Someone pointed out Magic in the Alley to me as a possibility and I'm trying to borrow a copy. Has anyone read it who could give me more info about that story to see if it matches? (It's like $100 used, so I'd like to make sure it's the right one!)

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

Amazon reviewer says:

It's about a little girl who finds a box of magic in a junkstore in an alley. It contains seven objects which have various magical powers that can only be used once.

Alibris says:

Cleery finds a box with seven magic items in it and even though the magic is soon spent it brings three friends something of value.

A cover from 1970:



From the book jacket:

[Lobstergirl, au gratin]

This sounds like the right book. Moving to Solved.