#977 – The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear and Chris Turnham

The Wish Tree
Written by Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Chris Turnham
Chronicle Books 9/27/2016
978-1-4521-5065-9
32 pages Ages 2—5

.
“WHEN YOU GO SEARCHING
FOR A WISH TREE,
YOU DON’T NEED A MAP
OR A COMPASS
OR ANYTHING BUT A WISH
AND A GOOD FRIEND.”

“Charles wants to find a wish tree. His brother and sister don’t believe there is such a thing, but his trusty companion Boggan is ready to join Charles on a journey to find out. And along the way they discover that wishes can come true in the most unexpected ways.” [INSIDE JACKET]

Review
Charles wants to find a wish tree this year. Both his brother and sister say, “There is no such thing.” Charles and his friend Boggan agree the wish tree exists. Boggan is Charles’ sleek red toboggan. From the way its rope hangs, forming a nice smile, one might think the sled is alive. Early the next day, the Charles takes Boggan to search for the wish tree. As they walk into the woods, Charles begins singing, “La-di-da-di-da-di-daaaa,” to which Boggan sings, “Whishhhh.”
The two climb to the top of the hill and then slide down into the meadow. They meet a squirrel needing help and use Boggan to get a load of hazelnuts home. Throughout the day, Charles and Boggan stop searching for the wish tree in order to help an animal get their much-needed items home. By early evening, Charles is worn out and in need of sleep; he lays down on Boggan, his toboggan. The wish tree still not found. All the animals Charles and Boggan helped throughout the day gather to pull Boggan and the resting Charles to a clearing. When Chares awakes, there before him is a thank you. The Wish Tree.
The Wish Tree is a story about faith and altruism. Charles’ siblings do not believe in the wish tree because they have never seen one. Neither had Charles, but he had faith it existed. Setting aside the entire day to look for the tree, he instead spent most of it helping the animals, who were testing him. After Charles hangs his wish on the wish tree, he and Boggan find a feast awaiting them. Look closely at the table. The animals have used many of the items Boggan hauled to create the feast; a reward for Charles’ selflessness.
Children and their parents will love Maclear’s sweet story and the lovely illustrations from first-time children’s illustrator Turnham. Turnham’s bluish skies and creamy-white snow transport readers to a cold forest where one little boy looks for a magical tree. Throughout the story, Maclear weaves in repetition, which will get help children learn to read and increase their involvement with the story.
The Wish Tree is a lovely start to winter and the attributes of the holiday season.