A magic camera leads a young photographer into mysteries only she can solve using the unexpected images that develop on her pictures.
Talented but gawky 14-year-old Mary Nose— also known as “Nosy Mary”—inherits her photojournalist grandmother’s magic camera and sets up a secret darkroom. Mary loves feeling special but is troubled by the extra people and things that magically appear in her photographs. Eighth grade teacher Mr. Rockwell knows Mary takes wonderful pictures and believes it’s time for her to shine. With her large nose that Mary sticks into everything, he appoints her as yearbook editor—with a deadline.
When Mary forgets the school camera at home, she takes pictures with Grandma Louise’s magic camera. She snaps a shot of Hank the janitor; when she develops the pictures, she notices a strange ominous glow around Hank. She follows him and takes more pictures, until he demands that she give him the photos. Mary covers all the school events, but some students don’t want their picture taken. Things go missing from the yearbook closet, including the yearbook itself the day of the deadline. Distraught, Mary searches through the entire school, taking pictures with Grandma Louise’s camera and looking for clues as to the whereabouts of the yearbook. Each of the photos shows a mop and a bucket.
The mysterious photos plus her detective work all lead back to Hank the janitor. Mary tries to talk to him, but Hank locks her in the yearbook closet overnight. When Mr. Rockwell finally finds Mary the next morning, she calls the police, who arrest Hank. He sadly admits he’s been homeless for months and had to sleep in the yearbook closet. He says he liked the yearbook so much that he took it with him. He apologizes for any problems and returns the yearbook. Mary forgives him and decides to raise money for the homeless at a special photography exhibit. Mr. Rockwell declares that Mary is the best yearbook editor ever. Of course, she solves the mystery on the nose!