Have you ever cast a wish into the universe, hoping for a little magic? Books are filled with magical stories that offer us a glimpse into the world of wishes being granted. However, the path to these wishes coming true is never a straight line; it's often a winding road where valuable lessons are learned before a wish comes true. If you love books about wishes, here are a few stories that just might spark your imagination.
Written by Elana K. Arnold
Illustrated by Magdalena Mora
New York: Roaring Brook Press, 2024. Picture Book.
Kiki discovers a giant fish that is slowly dying on the road. She rescues the fish by putting it into her tub at home. The fish is so grateful to be saved he offers to grant her a wish, but with a catch; it is after all, a "fish of small wishes". Kiki really wants to wish for lots of friends or to be less shy but all of her wishes are to big for the small fish to grant. However, as the fish continues to grow, Kiki takes matters into her own hands to save it again. Because of her bravery and actions she ultimately sees her wishes come true.
A sweet book that teaches readers that wishes often don't need magic in order to be granted. Sometimes we find within ourselves the courage to make our own desires, or wishes, come true. A great read for younger elementary children with a positive message.
Written by Kallie K. George
Illustrated by Paola Zakimi
New York: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2025. Picture Book.
A young bear knows all about the local forest legend: a wish made when the very last leaf of autumn falls is guaranteed to come true. He anxiously waits with his friends for the last leaf to fall, but as time passes and the weather gets colder, his friends slowly get impatient and leave. Soon bear is the only one left when the last leaf finally falls, and bear makes an unselfish wish for all his friends.
This sweet story teaches us that patience and wonder are good qualities to have, and the illustrations help bring the cozy autumn feeling to the story.
By Xiaoning Huang
New York: Clavis Publishing Inc., 2025. Picture Book.
In an abandoned field there stands a lonely scarecrow. He really wants to make friends with the birds and mice but they are all afraid of him. Eventually the animals realize he is not going to hurt them but that he actually scares away any dangerous animals, like a sneaky black cat. When the animals find themselves in trouble the scarecrow steps in to save the day. This act of courage helps him finally make the friends he always wished for, proving that good things come in surprising ways.
A heartwarming and gentle picture book that explores themes of loneliness, courage, and unexpected friendships. Suitable for younger children who are learning to make new friends.
By Diane Alber
New York: Cartwheel Books, 2025. Picture Book.
A young boy finds a lizard in his backyard and he wishes it would turn into a dragon that can breathe fire and toast marshmallows. The boy is surprised when his wish comes true and the lizard turns into a dragon holding a bag of marshmallows. The boy is excited at first and then concerned when he realizes the dragon is sad and he can't breathe fire. The boy decides he is going to try to make the dragon happy by doing silly things to make him smile. Eventually the boy becomes tired and decides to take a nap. When the boy wakes up the dragon is gone and the lizard is back which makes him wonder if the whole thing was just a dream.
An imaginative book with a surprise ending and a craft activity at the end of the book. An imaginative and sweet picture book that focuses on themes of friendship, empathy, and creative play. A great read for younger children.
By Shawn Harris
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2025. Picture Book.
The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn is on a quest to find a way to become bigger. First he tries different ways of making a wish such as wishing on a shooting star or at a wishing well. When he doesn't get any bigger he decides to keep looking for a magical solution to his problem. He meets a clever fairy princess who gives him the task of finding something "teeny-weeny-er" than himself. He begins a new journey, meets new people, including a leprechaun and a stork, leading to a surprise ending where he learns he is going to be a big brother, changing his perspective on what it means to be "big".
A enchanting book that contains a subtle message to remember that going after dreams requires effort. A delightful read-aloud story with unique illustrations that is perfect for anyone who might feel small or wish to be bigger in the world.
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