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The Wishing Machine
Oge Mora’s Saturday meets Carmela Full of Wishes in this touching and whimsical picture book about a mother and child’s last trip to their local laundromat before moving away.
Every Sunday after cereal, Sam and Mom walk to the laundromat, wash their clothes, and see their friends. But this Sunday is different. Today, doing laundry means packing clean clothes in boxes to move away. Sam doesn’t want to leave their neighborhood and friends. Maybe if they hope with all their might, they can turn a washing machine into a wishing machine!
Sam’s imagination transforms the mundane into a series of wonders as they cope with change and learn the true meaning of home.
Every Sunday after cereal, Sam and Mom walk to the laundromat, wash their clothes, and see their friends. But this Sunday is different. Today, doing laundry means packing clean clothes in boxes to move away. Sam doesn’t want to leave their neighborhood and friends. Maybe if they hope with all their might, they can turn a washing machine into a wishing machine!
Sam’s imagination transforms the mundane into a series of wonders as they cope with change and learn the true meaning of home.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published October 17, 2023
1 person is currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Hillman
3 books18 followersJonathan Hillman is the author of BIG WIG, which garnered national attention when it was selected for the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program's reading list, and THE WISHING MACHINE (out October 17, 2023). A graduate of Hamline University’s MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults (MFAC) program, he lives near Minneapolis with his cat, Dot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 20, 2023
A little magical and a little whimsical, but also so true to life. This is a lovely picture about a child and his mother preparing for a move -- and also preparing to leave their community. The watercolor illustrations are very sweet and cozy, visually conveying that the laundromat is a safe space from a winter storm outside.
November 27, 2023
Such a sweet story filled with love, community, and some imagination and magic. Change and new beginnings aren’t easy, and this picture book explores some of those big changes in a safe and supportive way.
I love the illustrations and the coziness of the laundry mat.
I love the illustrations and the coziness of the laundry mat.
November 4, 2023
Every Sunday, Sam and his mom go to the laundromat to wash their clothes. It's a cozy place where they can hang out with their friends, but this week is sadder. Sam and his mother are leaving their apartment in the city and moving in with his grandfather, who lives far away from the laundromat. While it will be good to spend time with his grandfather, Sam will miss having an apartment with just him and his mother. Putting coins in the washing machine reminds him of throwing coins into a wishing well, so he makes a wish. Others do as well, but Sam soon learns that his wish won't work. His mother reminds him that her wish is just for them to be together and be happy, and he thinks that he can embrace this idea as well.
Society today doesn't use "third places" as much; institutions like churches and community centers, or parks, libraries or local restaurants where people spend time away from home and work. The portrayal of the laundromat community is bittersweet; Sam loves seeing his friends there, but is going to have to move away. He clearly has spent a lot of time there, and routines are very comforting to children. There is an unspoken message that Sam and his mother might be moving out of their apartment because of money issues, but they might also be moving in order to support the grandfather as he is getting older. Sam has to deal with other issues on top of the move, but has a lot of support from his mother.
The idea of wishing is one that young children will embrace, and some of the friends at the laundromat have more realistic wishes than others. The problem with wishes is that sometimes there is not way for them to come true, and Sam's acceptance of this is well portrayed.
Alam's illustrations capture the warm feel of a laundromat on a snowy day; I especially liked the steamed up windows. Sam's mother is looking a bit tired and harried, but she lets him have a bag of cookies from a vending machine when they have money left. The vending machine also spits out a lot of excess change, but Sam's mother encourages honesty, and the two give the money back.
I haven't seen many other books about laundromats other than The Laundromat Cat
by Giangrande and Huang, but Sam's story would be at home with books about moving, like Medina and Sanchez' Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away, or Yamasaki' and Lendler's Everything Naomi Loved. What I would like to see is an entire picture book about how enthralling vending machines are, or the lure of the gumball machines that produce tiny toys.
Society today doesn't use "third places" as much; institutions like churches and community centers, or parks, libraries or local restaurants where people spend time away from home and work. The portrayal of the laundromat community is bittersweet; Sam loves seeing his friends there, but is going to have to move away. He clearly has spent a lot of time there, and routines are very comforting to children. There is an unspoken message that Sam and his mother might be moving out of their apartment because of money issues, but they might also be moving in order to support the grandfather as he is getting older. Sam has to deal with other issues on top of the move, but has a lot of support from his mother.
The idea of wishing is one that young children will embrace, and some of the friends at the laundromat have more realistic wishes than others. The problem with wishes is that sometimes there is not way for them to come true, and Sam's acceptance of this is well portrayed.
Alam's illustrations capture the warm feel of a laundromat on a snowy day; I especially liked the steamed up windows. Sam's mother is looking a bit tired and harried, but she lets him have a bag of cookies from a vending machine when they have money left. The vending machine also spits out a lot of excess change, but Sam's mother encourages honesty, and the two give the money back.
I haven't seen many other books about laundromats other than The Laundromat Cat
by Giangrande and Huang, but Sam's story would be at home with books about moving, like Medina and Sanchez' Evelyn Del Rey is Moving Away, or Yamasaki' and Lendler's Everything Naomi Loved. What I would like to see is an entire picture book about how enthralling vending machines are, or the lure of the gumball machines that produce tiny toys.
August 26, 2023
Book provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review
In The Wishing Machine, a little boy and his mom have a tradition of Sunday laundry mat days. The book starts off on their last trip to the laundry mat before embarking on a new life. Sam is a bit nervous because he and his single mom are moving in with his Grandpa. The little boy thinks of the things he would wish for after seeing his mom drop coins into a washing machine.
Sam’s wish is for a new home, he’d like a room for his mom, his own room, flowers in the window, and places to explore and play. While he wishes for things, he visits with the other community members on the laundry mat asking them what they wish for.
Some wish for a new scooter, while others say a green card while an older man wishes for a white fluffy cat. Sam’s Mom saves her wish for last and that is for them to be happy and together no matter where their home is.
The Wishing Machine captures that unease of embarking on a new move and leaving a community behind. Sam enjoys their Sundays at the laundromat because he is able to draw, talk with neighbors, and use his vibrant imagination. I love that their new home with Grandpa represents a fresh start and a chance to grow. Sam and his mom gain strength from their bond and the heartwarming support of neighbors wishing them well.
The illustrations by Nadia Alam in The Wishing Machine are whimsical and drawn from Sam’s perspective, showing him in front of the washing machines. The pages burst with color and imagination as they depict a little boy's experience in the local laundromat. Splashed with vibrant hues, the illustrations bring to life his wide-eyed wonder at the rumbling washers and swirling dryers. The charming illustrations capture his infectious joy and boundless creativity.
The Wishing Machine is a sweet little book about the unease but ultimate excitement of fresh starts as a little boy and his Mom says goodbye to their Sunday tradition for the last time.
In The Wishing Machine, a little boy and his mom have a tradition of Sunday laundry mat days. The book starts off on their last trip to the laundry mat before embarking on a new life. Sam is a bit nervous because he and his single mom are moving in with his Grandpa. The little boy thinks of the things he would wish for after seeing his mom drop coins into a washing machine.
Sam’s wish is for a new home, he’d like a room for his mom, his own room, flowers in the window, and places to explore and play. While he wishes for things, he visits with the other community members on the laundry mat asking them what they wish for.
Some wish for a new scooter, while others say a green card while an older man wishes for a white fluffy cat. Sam’s Mom saves her wish for last and that is for them to be happy and together no matter where their home is.
The Wishing Machine captures that unease of embarking on a new move and leaving a community behind. Sam enjoys their Sundays at the laundromat because he is able to draw, talk with neighbors, and use his vibrant imagination. I love that their new home with Grandpa represents a fresh start and a chance to grow. Sam and his mom gain strength from their bond and the heartwarming support of neighbors wishing them well.
The illustrations by Nadia Alam in The Wishing Machine are whimsical and drawn from Sam’s perspective, showing him in front of the washing machines. The pages burst with color and imagination as they depict a little boy's experience in the local laundromat. Splashed with vibrant hues, the illustrations bring to life his wide-eyed wonder at the rumbling washers and swirling dryers. The charming illustrations capture his infectious joy and boundless creativity.
The Wishing Machine is a sweet little book about the unease but ultimate excitement of fresh starts as a little boy and his Mom says goodbye to their Sunday tradition for the last time.
February 13, 2024
The cover hints at the confused word, and the first lines suggest that such artful confusions will play a part in the story:
"Every Sunday after cereal,
we walk to the laundry-mat, Mom and me."
In that opening spread the charming text and gentle illustrations land us smack in the routine that shapes this story. The page turn brings readers into the warmth and familiar smells and smiles of a diverse gathering of laundry-doers. For the last time.
That hint establishes the emotional tension of the imminent life change of our central pair- leaving to live with Grandpa the next day, away from the comfort of familiar places and friends, their own place to live, their neighborhood.
That issue is reflected in the subtle shifts in the child's expression, demonstrating mastery of even the smallest lines and postures. The details and sensory experiences in laundry-mats will feel entirely like home to some families, while others with no direct exposure are invited into a new and lively experience. Those black and white tiles, the CLINK-coin sounds, and the ways people pass time, including the child, are rendered as the backdrop to the family's emotional journey.
Throughout this story the efforts to problem solve are realistic and tender, layering a short timeline with parental strength and reassurance, growing awareness of the needs of others, and a lucky surprise that results in a moral dilemma. All of which makes the conclusion so much more than a "good line" or familiar words. The topic of losing a home and friends could be morose, but is instead sincere and strong, allowing the child (never clear if this is a boy or girl) to face upcoming changes with newfound confidence and strength.
"Every Sunday after cereal,
we walk to the laundry-mat, Mom and me."
In that opening spread the charming text and gentle illustrations land us smack in the routine that shapes this story. The page turn brings readers into the warmth and familiar smells and smiles of a diverse gathering of laundry-doers. For the last time.
That hint establishes the emotional tension of the imminent life change of our central pair- leaving to live with Grandpa the next day, away from the comfort of familiar places and friends, their own place to live, their neighborhood.
That issue is reflected in the subtle shifts in the child's expression, demonstrating mastery of even the smallest lines and postures. The details and sensory experiences in laundry-mats will feel entirely like home to some families, while others with no direct exposure are invited into a new and lively experience. Those black and white tiles, the CLINK-coin sounds, and the ways people pass time, including the child, are rendered as the backdrop to the family's emotional journey.
Throughout this story the efforts to problem solve are realistic and tender, layering a short timeline with parental strength and reassurance, growing awareness of the needs of others, and a lucky surprise that results in a moral dilemma. All of which makes the conclusion so much more than a "good line" or familiar words. The topic of losing a home and friends could be morose, but is instead sincere and strong, allowing the child (never clear if this is a boy or girl) to face upcoming changes with newfound confidence and strength.
September 22, 2023
With a hint of magic, tons of hope, and a desire for wishes to come true, tons of goodness unfolds in this read.
Every Sunday, Sam and his mother walk to the laundromat, meet others, and wash clothes, but this Sunday, everything is about to change. His mom and him are moving, which means he'll never go to that laundromat again. So, he decides to give something a try and wishes on the washing machine.
My favorite aspect of this read is that it is very easy to identify with. While many picture books have characters, who live in nice houses or apartments, this one hits other circumstances. It shows life at a laundromat, and even mentions how Sam and his mother are going to move into the grandfathers small trailer, where it's tight but full of wonderful things. Sam is happy. The friends at the laundromat are happy. And the magic seems to pour from every corner without really being there at all.
Then, there's the washing machines and the hint of imagination surrounding them. It hints at magic and wishes to add just the right dusting of magic, while never really leaving the amazing twists life offers. It's warming and uplifting without bending past the magic of reality. The text flows smoothly to create a lovely read-aloud either in groups or smaller settings, and the illustrations will have listeners coming back to explore the tale on their own. It's one of those reads to enjoy. I received a DRC and found this to be a very well-done read.
Every Sunday, Sam and his mother walk to the laundromat, meet others, and wash clothes, but this Sunday, everything is about to change. His mom and him are moving, which means he'll never go to that laundromat again. So, he decides to give something a try and wishes on the washing machine.
My favorite aspect of this read is that it is very easy to identify with. While many picture books have characters, who live in nice houses or apartments, this one hits other circumstances. It shows life at a laundromat, and even mentions how Sam and his mother are going to move into the grandfathers small trailer, where it's tight but full of wonderful things. Sam is happy. The friends at the laundromat are happy. And the magic seems to pour from every corner without really being there at all.
Then, there's the washing machines and the hint of imagination surrounding them. It hints at magic and wishes to add just the right dusting of magic, while never really leaving the amazing twists life offers. It's warming and uplifting without bending past the magic of reality. The text flows smoothly to create a lovely read-aloud either in groups or smaller settings, and the illustrations will have listeners coming back to explore the tale on their own. It's one of those reads to enjoy. I received a DRC and found this to be a very well-done read.
March 24, 2024
Every Sunday a boy and his mom visit the laundromat and see their friends. This particular Sunday is their last time that they will be going to the laundromat since they will be moving away and living with the boy's grandfather. The mom tells the boy that he can make a wish when he puts the coins in the washing machine. Of course his wish is to be able to stay in their apartment so they can continue seeing their friends each week. Mom promised the young boy a bag of cookies if they had enough leftover coins in the end and the snack machine ends up spitting out tons of coins! The boy is thrilled because he thinks they will now have enough rent money so they can stay in their apartment. The mom tells her son that the money doesn't belong to them and they return it to the attendant at the desk. While it's a bittersweet ending, the mom tells her son that her wish is to always be together with him and to be happy. This book portrays real life situations but is a love story of family and perseverance.
March 2, 2025
"The Wishing Machine" captures the commonplace routine of Sam and their mom meeting their community at the laundry-mat. Feelings, however, are rampant as Sam and their mom face the music that they are moving away this Sunday to live with their grandpa. Feelings such as excitment and worry fill the air, yet Sam takes this opportunity to use their imagination to turn a mundane Sunday into something fun and fulfilling, by taking the community's wishes and placing them into the washer and dryer, to cope with their change in their daily lives.
This book would be an excellent source in my future classroom as it will give students insight on how new students may feel moving from a place they know and love to somewhere unfamiliar. It will then be great to extend that and describe ways to then show how we can be welcoming to someone new in the community. That being said, this would be a great class read-aloud to help students understand the topic, followed by a great independent book if students needed a book that they could relate to.
This book would be an excellent source in my future classroom as it will give students insight on how new students may feel moving from a place they know and love to somewhere unfamiliar. It will then be great to extend that and describe ways to then show how we can be welcoming to someone new in the community. That being said, this would be a great class read-aloud to help students understand the topic, followed by a great independent book if students needed a book that they could relate to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2024
A young boy and his mom go to the laundromat every week but this week is the last week before they move away to live with the child's grandfather. There are friends they see each week while they wash their clothes and the little boy is as sad about leaving them as he is leaving an apartment for a "tiny trailer."
He makes a wish on the "wishing machine" as his mom deposits the money, wishing for an apartment of their own. In the end, he realizes the wish isn't coming true but there is enough for cookies every everyone and his mother reassures him that wherever they go they, they will be together.
This is a subtle. sweet and very moving story with lovely soft-hued illustrations by Nadia Alam. So many children face this uncertainty and this welcoming and reassuring story speaks to these fears and similar situations.
He makes a wish on the "wishing machine" as his mom deposits the money, wishing for an apartment of their own. In the end, he realizes the wish isn't coming true but there is enough for cookies every everyone and his mother reassures him that wherever they go they, they will be together.
This is a subtle. sweet and very moving story with lovely soft-hued illustrations by Nadia Alam. So many children face this uncertainty and this welcoming and reassuring story speaks to these fears and similar situations.
December 6, 2023
Every Sunday, Sam and his mom head to the laundry-mat to do laundry. They also get to see all the other friends from the neighborhood that are there doing their wash. But this Sunday is their last Sunday. As the story unfolds, we learn that they can no longer afford the rent on their apartment so they are moving into grandfather's small trailer. There are positives - but Sam will miss his apartment. So he makes a wish to stay where they are. And asks everyone else what their wishes are too. Will the wishes come true?
I like that Sam's mom calls him Sam-My-Sam! This is a sweet book that touches on the impact of poverty and the togetherness fostered by having to do laundry together every week. Doing laundry takes a lot of time! Even for just two people. A good book for discussion.
I like that Sam's mom calls him Sam-My-Sam! This is a sweet book that touches on the impact of poverty and the togetherness fostered by having to do laundry together every week. Doing laundry takes a lot of time! Even for just two people. A good book for discussion.
November 21, 2023
An entirely touching, sweet story about a child who cherishes his Sundays with Mom at the laundromat, where he visits with friends. But they are moving to Grandpa's tiny trailer from their apartment and maybe only a wish on the Wishing Machine will make it right. As Mom says, sometimes wishes take a long time. As the narrator works through both the day's laundry tasks and what might be possible, weighs what's good and what's not so good about each living situation, what the reader is left with is love. And that's a very good thing. Beautiful story, deftly handled with lovely, warm illustrations by Nadia Alam.
December 20, 2023
Change and goodbyes are hard--as Sam and his mom prepare to move from their apartment to Grandpa's trailer away from the city, they say goodbye to friends and their cherished Sunday laundromat time together with one last visit. But with a little imagination and some one-of-a-kind luck, Sam discovers that his most heartfelt wish doesn't need a magic machine to come true. One of only a small number of books I've seen about families handling tight financial times together, this one does a beautiful job of keeping Sam's empathy and joy at the center as we meet his family and community through his eyes.
January 11, 2025
I felt that this book tried to discuss poverty in a very light-hearted way, and it's not exactly a light-hearted subject. A mom and son live in an apartment and go to a laundry-mat every Sunday, but they have to move into Grandpa's trailer. We never actually get to see Grandpa. And the husband/dad is never mentioned. We need books that show kids the importance of having a father and a mother raising their children together, and we need to stop normalizing non-nuclear families. I understand sometimes there are situations outside of our control, but that doesn't have to be every book about families. Kids need positive examples to read about.
October 18, 2023
The Wishing Machine is a gentle picture book that captures the nerves of change while celebrating the true meaning of home. As Sam focuses on finding his wish, he realizes wishes can be bigger or smaller and mean more when shared.
Author Jonathan Hillman’s text is warm and conversational. And illustrator Nadia Alam’s artwork is tender and inviting. Her expressive spreads bring excitement. The Wishing Machine is a tender picture book that will be especially moving for kids who live in a similar community or those getting ready for a big change.
Author Jonathan Hillman’s text is warm and conversational. And illustrator Nadia Alam’s artwork is tender and inviting. Her expressive spreads bring excitement. The Wishing Machine is a tender picture book that will be especially moving for kids who live in a similar community or those getting ready for a big change.
June 21, 2024
Every Sunday, Sam and Mom go to the laundromat. But this Sunday is different. Sam and Mom are going for the last time. Sam doesn’t want to leave the big city for Grandpa’s trailer, but the child comes up with a plan. They will wish upon the laundry machine (wishing machine) and try to make sure they get to stay in the city. Sam asks other people at the laundromat their wishes too, and *puts* them all in the *wishing machine.* Will Sam and mom’s wishes come true when all is said and done? Find out in this cute and beautifully illustrated book.
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 103
Mia’s Year of Books: Day 103
October 21, 2024
This story follows a child who is wanting to make wishes to change their current housing situation. The child and their mother are about to move in with their grandpa and out of the apartment they had. While the child isn't sad they'll be moving in with their grandpa, they're sad about not having enough money for the apartment. The child wants to help their mom by turning the washing machine into a "wishing machine."
This would be a great book to help students work through emotions about situations they can't change.
This would be a great book to help students work through emotions about situations they can't change.
January 4, 2024
Sweet story about a child's last trip to the laundromat with their mom before they move from their apartment to their Grandad's trailer. They make a wish on the washing machine that they can stay in their apartment but mom says " sometimes the good things take time." I'm sure this is a welcome story for any child who has to move, but especially those who have to move because they can no longer afford their current home.
May 19, 2024
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Award. The main character shows quite a bit of growth by the end of the book. They learn that no matter where "home" is, as long as they are together with family that they will always be home. I would recommend this book to any child that recently moved, has a family that struggles with finances/lives with other family members, or was prepping for an upcoming move.
August 13, 2024
Each weekend, Sam and Mom walk to the laundromat. But today will be their last time. They don't have enough money to pay rent, so they will have to leave their apartment and live with Sam's grandpa. Sam makes a wish that they can stay and continue their beloved routines.
I love the warm relationship in the book between mother and son. And I love that the resolution is positive but realistic!
I love the warm relationship in the book between mother and son. And I love that the resolution is positive but realistic!
December 1, 2024
This is a sweet book about a mother and child going to the laundry-mat every Sunday after breakfast. They see the same people every week, but this is their last week at this laundry-mat. So, the child made a washing machine into a wishing machine. I wonder what the child will wish for. What would you wish for?
November 7, 2023
On their last trip to the laundromat before moving, a mom invites her child to make a wish on a washing machine, which spurs everyone else in the laundromat to share their wishes.
*Pair this with Fly Away Home*
*Pair this with Fly Away Home*
October 9, 2024
Sam innocently believes that the washing machine is a wishing well and begins making wishes for herself. In the process, she makes friends with others. A cute story about family and finding no joy in mundane chores.
December 15, 2024
This was such a beautiful children's picture book! I loved the whimsical illustrations. They were so lively and fun! I also thought the book had such a great message and great representation of diverse types of people and family situations. I borrowed this from the library but might need to own it!
March 5, 2026
Full of heart! Lovely sounds and memorable phrases. Almost magic and great story structure. Pulls the reader through with the rule of three (washer, dryer and vending machine). An honest and important message.
June 9, 2023
ARCQuest: Book 23
A charming little book about finding magic and hope in something as ordinary as a “laundry-mat.” Definitely a heart-warmer.
A charming little book about finding magic and hope in something as ordinary as a “laundry-mat.” Definitely a heart-warmer.
October 22, 2023
In the summary it talks about this being a mash-up of Oge Mora's Saturday and Matt de la Pena's Carmela Full of Wishes and I would say that is accurate!
November 22, 2023
A lovely addition to a small but important genre of picture books addressing poverty and housing insecurity.
November 26, 2023
A touching, whimsical picture book about a mother and child’s last trip to their neighborhood laundromat before moving away.
December 10, 2023
Loved it! Beautiful precious story about love between a child and a mother, beauty of ordinary things, and wishes. Stunning dreamy illustrations by Nadia Alam.
December 21, 2023
A moving picture book about a little boy who wishes for financial security and for things to stay the same, even when they cannot.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews