Tuesday, February 17, 2015

WISH by Matthew Cordell, Book Review


Written & Illustrated by: Matthew Cordell
Published by: Disney Hyperion
To Be Released on: 3/3/15
Ages: 3-5
Rating: 4 Owls - We Enjoyed It
Source: book from the publisher to review in exchange for my honest review
Pre-Order it from: Amazon | B&N
Add to it Goodreads

As an elephant couple embark on a life together, thoughts of children are far away—at first. But as the desire for a child grows, so do unexpected challenges. And it's only after thwarted plans and bitter disappointment that their deepest wish miraculously comes true.

A beautiful message in a great story. 

WISH is about an elephant couple who patiently wait for their wish, a baby. They have to wait a long time. Through out all their waiting, and wishing, they do things together. They wish, they build, they learn, and they travel. They keep going, and wishing. Through out all their waiting, and waiting, they never stop wishing. Then one day, their wish comes true, and a sweet little baby elephant arrives. 

I loved the delicate way Matthew Cordell told the story. WISH is written and the illustrated in a way that gave the story a whimsical feel. Which was great. It kept the story simple. Making it easy for young children to enjoy and understand the story. WISH is a sweet story that all families will relate to. 

At the heart of the story, is a message about not giving up on your wishes (dreams). In a few careful way Matthew hints at how long some couples have to wait for their wish, their baby to arrive. In the story, as in real life, at the heart of makes a family a family, is love. I think all parents who have wished for a child will enjoy this, as well as children who have become their parents's wish. 
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves. ~ Anna Quindlen

Good children's literature appeals not only to
the child in the adult, but to the adult in the child.
~ Anonymous ~