• The Wishing Tree

The Wishing Tree

Author
Meika Hashimoto
Illustrator
Xindi Yan
Publication Date
September 21, 2021
Genre / Grade Band
Fiction /  2nd − 3rd
The Wishing Tree
Description

After reading this charming, festive story, kids can join in a fun Christmas tradition and place their own wishes to Santa on a wishing tree using the punch-out cards in the back of this book.

A powerful wish and a magical tree...

Theo loves everything about Christmas--from the twinkling lights to the merry carolers . . . and don't forget about Santa! But with days before before December 25th, there isn't even a single holly in sight.

Determined to show his town what Christmas is all about, Theo finds ways to share his holiday cheer. And along the way, with a little help from the magical wishing tree, Theo discovers the true meaning of Christmas and a new holiday tradition.

The Wishing Tree is a great choice for your family and sure to become a new Christmas classic. It features:

  • 12 punch-out holiday cards where readers can write their own Christmas wishes, then hang them up on their trees!
  • Immersive, stunning artwork--artist Xindi Yan has created a gorgeous backdrop for Meika Hashimoto's Christmas tale
  • Timeless themes of community and family
Publication date
September 21, 2021
Classification
Fiction
Page Count
-
ISBN-13
9780062747167
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV054000 - Juvenile Fiction | Activity Books
JUV033150 - Juvenile Fiction | Religious | Christian - Holidays & Celebrations
JUV017010 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Christmas & Advent
Library of Congress categories
Picture books
Magic
Christmas stories
Wishes
Christmas
Trees
Christmas fiction

Publishers Weekly

After realizing his town is devoid of Christmas spirit three days before the holiday, Theo, a Black child with dark curls, writes down "just one wish" to Santa. As he sleeps, the letter journeys "across frozen seas/ and stormy deserts" before reaching the North Pole. The next morning, a mysterious great pine labeled "Property of the North Pole" drops a response letter into Theo's hands saying "bring joy," setting off a chain of cheer-bringing events with Theo at the center as he partakes in traditional Christmas activities, such as hanging string lights and caroling with his neighbors. Yan's sweeping digital brushstrokes, depicting a township of varying ages, abilities, body types, and skin tones, add an animation-like layer of depth and texture to Hashimoto's lightly magical, community-centered tale. Back matter punch-out cards encourage readers to write their own wishes. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
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