The Wishing Tree

by Meika Hashimoto (Author) Xindi Yan (Illustrator)

The Wishing Tree
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

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
Select format:
Hardcover
$14.99

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.

Review quotes

"Timely and heartfelt...this magic feels true."—Kirkus Reviews
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780062747167
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
September 21, 2021
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

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