Sunday, June 8, 2025

Wish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt and Nancy Carpenter - ESSENTIAL

Wish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
. PICTURE BOOK Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2025 $19. 9781524739683 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL 
APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Oliver is aware that his brain seems to work differently that the brains of the other kids in the class. He can't seem to sit still, and he easily distracts himself. One girl, Shay, isn't very nice to Oliver. One day during recess, Oliver climbs a tree, closes his eyes and makes a wish to be more like everyone else. Thank goodness he has a wise friend. 

This is one of those picture books teachers need to read, as a reminder for themselves, but also aloud to the class, to help give their students empathy and context for the kids who think outside the box. Not a picture book version of Fish in a Tree,  but a delightful picture book about the potential of children whose brains work differently than their peers'. Nancy Carpenter's illustrations are great. I highly recommend Wish in a Tree. Oliver and his classmates are white. 

Lisa Librarian

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