Puffin, New York, 2001, 1^st pr. thus.  ISBN 0-14-131238-6.  Soft cover, 152 pages.  Unread copy; light edge and cover wear; pages tanned, small remainder mark on bottom edge.  ‘Returning a library book is easy – unless the library is in the North African country of Jedera, and the book is in the hands of Vesper Holly!  With her long-suffering guardian Brinnie in tow, the dauntless Vesper descends upon Jedera and organizes a caravan bound for the renowned library at Bel-Saaba.  Feuding desert tribes, rough terrain, and slave traders are all threats – but the biggest one of all is the evil Dr. Helvitius.  Can Vesper stop the fiendish plot he’s hatching and triumph over her archrival?’ (from rear wrap)