Wished

by Lissa Evans

Ed and his sister Roo are faced with the most boring half-term holiday in history – five days spent in the company of their elderly neighbour, Miss Filey, and her ancient, smelly cat. But when they find a box of birthday candles in a cupboard in Miss Filey's house, their world is changed completely, because these are no ordinary candles and every single one of them comes with a wish. There's only one problem – some of those wishes actually belong to someone else...

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens, Humor, Adventure, Magical Realism

Audio CD

First published April 7, 2022

About the author

After a brief career in medicine, and an even briefer one in stand-up, Lissa Evans became a comedy producer, first in radio and then in television. Her first novel, Spencer's List, was published in 2002, and since then she has written three more books for adults (two of them longlisted for the Orange/Baileys Prize) and two for children (the first of them shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal). Her two most recent books for adults were set in London during the Second World War; one of them, 'Their Finest Hour and a Half' has now been made into a film entitled 'Their Finest', starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adventure. Well I say adventure but adventures is probably the better word. Wished by Lissa Evans, according to my family, is my most talked about book of the year so far. By that they mean that I've been giving them animated descriptions of what's been going on in the plot and why I think it's so great.

It's actually a very simple idea, but it's written with magnificent character development, laugh out loud moments and a plot that has you whisking all over the place. The premise is that Ed and Roo, brother and sister, have to go and spend a week at their elderly neighbour's house for the holidays while building work takes place at their home; a prospect that they are most certainly not looking forward to as they are imagining all sorts of dull!

However, this couldn't be further from the truth. With new kid Willard in toe the trio have the adventures of a lifetime with neighbour Miss Filey and her cat Atlee. Miss Filey had been gifted some candles, ten to be exact, for her 10th birthday. Her Mum was very ill and taken to hospital before her birthday and the candles were never used. Her Mum returned home from hospital but was needed to be cared for from her bed, Miss Filey would imagine all of the adventures she may have from her home and the stories and places that could come and visit her Mum.

At Miss Filey's house the children discover the candles and soon realise these candles are far from ordinary, they're magic and each one can grant a wish - about 4.5 minutes of a wish. I don't want to give any spoilers as there are certain parts of the book for me that really stand out as brilliant either with full on belly laughs or poignant thoughts. It really is a must read.

I love that the characters aren't the 'popular' kids. They feel very awkward in themselves for many reasons but by the end of the story each individual seems to have developed and become more confident in their own skin. There's true, unfiltered friendship. I'd love Lissa to write a story about Ed and Willard in their teenage years as I think the characters would make a very frank, hilarious time out of the perils of coming of age. The character Ed uses a wheelchair to help him get around. Roo, his younger sister, is fiercely protective of him - something that Ed find both irritating and heart-warming. The way Lissa has woven his disability into the story is very sensitively done. It's not centre stage of the story, yet it adds a depth. The ending had me in tears in a good way! It's a book full of hope and wonder, of just taking a leap of faith like a fledgling and going for your dreams.

Thanks so much to #DavidFicklingBooks and #NetGalley for the eARC of #Wished

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lissa Evans has a solid pedigree when it comes to comedy; as a television producer (responsible for such classics as Father Ted), author of brilliant comic novels for adults and exciting, funny books for children. Wished is a complete delight and a much-needed tonic for contemporary children’s writing, which is sadly deficient in good quality comic writing. Children love a good story with plenty of laughs and Wished promises both in a tale of inter generational friendship, wish fulfilment, madcap adventure and a sarcastic talking cat. A great read for children of 8 - 11 or so.

[Zac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super fun book to listen to as an audiobook with my 7 year old. We loved all of the adventures that Ed, Roo and Willard went on. There is plenty of action, adventure and laughs. It was a perfect audiobook so it would be a great read aloud, especially for Years 4-6.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Info: Dies ist eine Rezension zur deutschen Ausgabe. Diese scheint nicht auf Goodreads gelistet zu sein, importieren hat leider auch nicht funktioniert.


Mit »10 Wünsche, 7 Abenteuer und eine sprechende Katze« habe ich ein neues Lieblingsbuch aus dem mixtvision Verlag gefunden. Und das sagt vermutlich viel darüber aus, in welche Richtung diese Rezension gehen wird.

10 WÜNSCHE …
Dieses Buch hat mich irgendwie sofort in seinen Bann gezogen. Auf der Verlagsseite wird es ab 9 Jahren empfohlen, dadurch liest es sich natürlich super leicht und schnell. Das bedeutet aber nicht, dass es dem Buch an Tiefe fehlt. Denn während es natürlich vorrangig um Wünsche und Abenteuer geht, sind die Charaktere wahnsinnig vielschichtig dargestellt.

Die Geschwister Ed und Roo stehen natürlich im Zentrum der Geschichte. Sehr schnell wird klar, welche Dynamik zwischen den beiden herrscht. Ed sitzt noch nicht so lange im Rollstuhl und versteckt seine wahren Emotionen immer hinter einer dicken Wand aus Sarkasmus. Roo hingegen hat es zu ihrer Mission gemacht, jegliche Themen oder Fragen den Rollstuhl ihres Bruders betreffend abzuschmettern. So lehnt sie auch gerne Handlungen in ihrem Namen ab, obwohl sie sie gerne wahrnehmen würde. Aber sie schützt ihren Bruder und stellt ihn vor ihr eigenes Wohlbefinden. Ed scheint dies anfangs nicht zu bemerken und lässt seinen Frust auch gerne an seiner kleinen Schwester aus.

Erst Willard, der merkwürdige Nachbarsjunge, der sich den beiden quasi aufdrängt, öffnet Ed da nach und nach die Augen. Willard hat sich beim Lesen als wahrer Schatz entpuppt. Während er zu Beginn des Buches ein bisschen dämlich wirkt, zeigt sich immer mehr, dass er auf seine Art ein paar ziemlich kluge Sachen sagt.

Und dann wäre da noch Miss Filey, bei der die drei Kinder ihre Tage verbringen sollen. Es sind ihre alten Geburtstagskerzen, die Wünsche erfüllen können. Allerdings weiß sie davon selbst nichts. Miss Filey hatte ich anfangs in die Kategorie »unbedeutende Nebencharaktere« geschoben, weshalb ich umso überraschter war, dass auch sie ihren Auftritt und ihre Entwicklung bekommt. Denn Miss Filey ist eine ältere Dame, bei der man den Eindruck hat, dass sie in ihrem Leben viele Gelegenheiten verpasst hat. Weil sie immer zu schüchtern war oder sich einfach nicht getraut hat. Das hat sie mir einfach sehr sympathisch gemacht. Und während Ed sehr lange gebraucht hat, bis er sie mochte, habe ich sie direkt ins Herz geschlossen.

… 7 ABENTEUER …
Ed, Roo und Willard finden die Geburtstagskerzen in Miss Fileys Haus. Aber nur durch Zufall entdecken sie, dass die Kerzen Wünsche erfüllen können - allerdings nur für die Zeit, bis sie heruntergebrannt sind. Es beginnt harmlos, mit einem auftauchenden Hund, mit einer Ameise, die Kunststücke vollführen kann. Doch dann geht etwas gewaltig schief und auf einmal sind sie alle vier in einem Haus voller Abenteuer gefangen.

Schnell wird klar, sie können nur zurückkehren, wenn sie alle Abenteuer bestreiten. Das schließt eine Schatzsuche ein und auch ein Zusammenstoß in einer Rakete mit einem Meteoriten. Und während die vier in gefährlichen und auch aufregenden Abenteuern, nach Lösungen suchen, macht jeder von ihnen eine besondere Entwicklung durch. Sie freunden sich an, sie werden selbstbewusster, selbstreflektierter. Zu sehen, wo Ed, Roo, Willard und Miss Filey am Anfang stehen und wo am Ende des Buches fand ich besonders schön.

… UND EINE SPRECHENDE KATZE
Natürlich lasse ich als Katzenliebhaberin die sprechende Katze nicht unter den Tisch fallen. Der arrogante Kater wird nämlich versehentlich mit in die Abenteuer gewünscht und ist davon überhaupt nicht begeistert.

Attlee ist schon ein älterer Kater. Er wird ziemlich gebrechlich dargestellt und muss wohl auch ziemlich stinken. Trotzdem überrascht er immer wieder mit seinem Sarkasmus (was Ed gar nicht passt, immerhin ist das sein Job) und Einfallsreichtum. Vermutlich hätte sogar Attlee Spaß an den Abenteuern gehabt, wenn ihm nur einer seine geliebten Fisch-Leckerlies gebracht hätte. Dass man hungrig jedoch eher mies gelaunt ist, kann ich absolut nachvollziehen.


FAZIT
Ich hätte es vor dem Lesen nicht gedacht, aber »10 Wünsche, 7 Abenteuer und eine sprechende Katze« reiht sich in meine Lieblingsbücher aus dem mixtvision Verlag ein. Ich war extrem beeindruckt von der Entwicklung, die alle Charaktere durchmachen - auch Miss Filey. Ich fand nicht alle Abenteuer gleichermaßen spannend, doch hat mich das Buch vor allem durch die Charaktere, Attlee und den tollen Humor überzeugt. Mit solchen Büchern hätte mir das Lesen als Kind definitiv mehr Spaß gemacht.

[Elizabeth Mellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and David Fickling Books for the ARC of this!

This was ridiculously charming! I loved this story about wishes and being transported into them, the characters were extremely good and the dialogue was hilarious. Perfect for fans of Half-Magic, sweet and funny middle grade portal fantasy, and seeing people get their wishes granted. Bonus points for a talking cat that was everything.

[Evie¹⁶ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good book. Not my favourite but still a solid book. Would recommend 👌

[Mairéad · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Utterly charming and delightful, I can't wait to share this fantasy adventure story with my pupils! The characters were believable and interesting, the plot was full of fun and the grumpy talking cat was the icing on the cake! Perfect for confident readers aged 8+ who will be swept away by this imaginative, enjoyable read.
Thanks to Netgalley.co.uk and David Fickling Books for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful adventure story for children, with just the right proportions of excitement, seriousness, magic and humour. With many laugh-out-loud moments and a smelly, ancient, sarcastic cat along for the ride, who could resist?

[Stephen Dilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Wished' by Lissa Evans is such a gorgeous and enjoyable read for older primary readers - it manages to feel modern and engaging at the same time as having the charm and magic of classic children's adventure stories by writers like E. Nesbit.

The premise is relatively simple but very effective: siblings Ed and Roo are sent to their elderly neighbour Miss Filey's house while their house is being renovated; along with their friend Willard, they discover that some of Miss Filey's old birthday candles have the ability to grant whatever they wish for - but only for as long as the candle is lit. This constraint adds plenty of interest to the novel in itself - what would you wish for if you had a finite number of wishes and each could only be enjoyed for a maximum of four and a half minutes? But Evans throws in a number of other twists to add excitement and jeopardy to the plot.

Alongside this, there is a lot of humour, including some real belly laugh moments, but also real warmth and tenderness. In particular, Evans writes very sensitively about disability: we discover that older brother Ed has a disability that requires him to use a wheelchair, but the book avoids the stereotypical tropes associated with physical disabilities - Ed is sarcastic and fiercely independent, and Evans explores his feelings about his condition very insightfully, particularly his dislike of being the object of others' charities. The character of Miss Filey is also very well drawn, and the way that the children gradually discover the disappointments of her life, and her stoical acceptance of these, is rather moving. As Roo observes in a beautiful moment of empathy, she "might as well have been a cardboard cutout, labelled 'NEIGHBOUR', for all the notice they'd taken of her - and yet Miss Filey was a real person, who had once been a child herself, who had lived a life that wasn't, perhaps the life she had wanted to live. An indoor life."

I absolutely loved reading this book - thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!

[Katy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not YOUR wish, someone else’s… imaginative adventure.

With no other options for half term, Ed and Roo are less than impressed when their parents tell them they'll be spending their week next door with their elderly neighbour. Ugh. Will she even have Wi-Fi?! But along with a new boy and neighbour, the quirky Willard, they embark on their first day in the old house and discover that even older people have their secrets, as well as their adventures.

Miss Filey happens to have some very unusual candles in a drawer, birthday candles. That soon start the children off on a half-term they weren't expecting.

You'll know from the title and premise what may ensue, though the difference here is that an ancient (and grumpy) cat, as well as their not-so-elderly neighbour also form a core part of the escapades.

For me, the novelty of 'older person having unexplored dreams' was the key to everything, and unusual in this sort of wish-fulfilment story for children. The adventure being centred on her own youthful imaginings, I loved the fact that this was based on a very quaint and Blyton-esque 'Adventure Stories for Girls'.

The children learn a lesson about not judging by appearances, and as Ed himself is wheelchair-bound, this is all the more apt. I enjoyed the 'suspend your disbelief' storyline and very, very old cat playing a role. I enjoyed the interaction between the three children, though would have liked more from Roo and also Miss Filey who only made her major contribution in the third act.

Wish-fulfilment stories are always fun, this had some unique qualities that set it apart and made it memorable.

One for ages 8-12. Slightly younger will also enjoy having this read to them.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

[Leona · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a fan of Wed Wabbit I was really looking forward to this latest book as I like Evans’s unconventional style within that story and the blurb for Wished seemed right up my street. Unfortunately, I was left underwhelmed when I was finished, The beginning was enticing with the reluctant visit to the neighbour and the kids awkwardness at Miss Filey’s traditional surroundings was really well done. But once the adventure within the wishes took hold, I started to lose interest, the disjointed nature of the blending of the wishes seemed rushed and lacking some kind of vital spark for me. However, I did really like the main characters and the fact that Ed wasn't there as a token stereotype. The taking cat was a nice touch too,

Sometimes you just don’t click with the story in front of you and sadly this was the case for me but I think this is the exception rather than the rule with this author as Evans is very inventive and exciting.

I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[beckys_book_blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be my favourite middle grade book so far this year. I loved it!

Ed and Roo (brother and sister) are not impressed when they find out they have to spend the week at their elderly neighbours house, Miss Filey. They were not expecting to find some very unusual magical candles that just happen to grant wishes (for the length they take to burn) or an old (very saracastic and funny!) talking cat called Atlee!

What follows is a magical rollercoaster of an adventure as the children try to find Miss Filey as she's engaged in her own adventure.

I loved the characters in the story. They were so well written. It's great to read about a brother and sister and Ed's disability (he has a wheel chair) is dealt with in a relatable and sensitive way.

This book is funny, heart warming and definitely set to become a classic. I would highly recommend this for readers 7+ There are no illustrations but the content would definitely be accessible for confident readers. I can't wait to share it with my daughter! It would make a brilliant class story for UKS2 children.

[Fiona Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A number of folk had recommended Wished on Twitter. I had read a few of Lissa Evans' books and decided to give this one a go. I enjoy reading children's and young adult fiction - aren't we all still just children even if some of us are in our 60s!

This book is fabulous. It is clever in its ideas, well paced, and with great characters. It develops in unexpected ways and covers a lot of ground about important things like friendship and what it is to be a child and what it is to be an adult, and what happens when those divisions disappear. It left me wondering if I had a wish and it had to be an experience (not wishing for more money or better health as the thing wished for is time limited), what would I wish for - and I can while away too much time thinking of ideas.

It is a satisfying book - and that is a compliment. I think it was C.S. Lewis who said he wrote the sort of books he would have liked to have read as a child. I wonder if the same is true for Lissa Evans as this is a book for everyone who can still access their inner child.

[Hannah Fazakerley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for anyone who has really wished that they could actually dive into a story, literally!
Oh dear, Ed and his sister Roo (Lucy) are going to have to spend half term being looked after by their next door neighbour, Miss Filey. She’s old, her house is a relic and she doesn’t even have WiFi! They are going to be bored rigid… or are they?
This book works on many levels and certainly lives up to Wed Wabbit expectations. The characters are delightful, each with their different quirks and I loved getting to know them and see them progress through the book.
The reader feels at home in this book immediately, like hot buttered toast on a Sunday evening, it is comforting and a very positive experience.
As well as all this, it is funny, very funny indeed with a genius cat character you will enjoy immensely.

[Andrew Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to call this a good old fashioned adventure for upper primary children, perhaps Y7 too. Its a realist fantasy about some kids who find some secret wishes, and has all the elements that are needed to grip you. Its funny and relatable. The kids have several adventures within different stories from an old book they find . There is an old house a long holiday and a fusty old woman looking after them all. No smart phones, no tech at all really and a great ending. It reminded me of the work of Frank Cottrell-Boyce, and would go down well withfans of him. Superb stuff as usual from the writer of Wed Wabbit.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars for this - the message here is if you can't seize the day, help someone else do so. Everything is presented in a fabulous blend of the modern knockabout and the Olde Time 'lashings of pop and biscuits' drama.

For a fuller review, please turn to:- http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/W...

[Bookwormbev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud numerous times, so be warned! Brother and sister Ed and Roo, along with new friend Willard have an unexpectedly adventurous week at the home of elderly neighbour Miss Filey. Expect to travel through time and space, with a talking cat. For anyone 8+ who is willing to suspend reality and believes in seizing the day.

[LudmilaM · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. An utterly magical adventure that is laugh-out-loud funny, imaginative and touching. The plot is well paced and the writing style so good it feels like reading a modern classic. The characters are believable and charming without being patronizing or overbearing. A breath of fresh air!

[Vonprice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite honestly one of the finest books I have read! An outstanding MG adventure with a sprinkle of magic and a lot of heart. You can read my full spoiler-free review here: https://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home...

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so so good. I have loved all of Lissa Evans books for children so far
This was another classic.

Enormously readable, funny, unique different, just fantastic

If you could have a wish come true what would it be?

[Kate McGhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Lissa Evans children’s books. Pitch perfect. So well written. Fun, relatable characters, in Ed, Roo, Willard and Miss Filey. Fab, realistic dialogue and imaginative escapism. Very enjoyable bedtime read.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely magical story in so many ways.

[LibraryKath · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's OK. I have to admit I got very bored about half way through.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice book. Not sure if it's aimed at kids or adults, but I enjoyed it anyway.

[Camilla Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious and ver cleverly crafted. Really exciting, I enjoyed it from start to finish. Attlee is inspired!

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do enjoy Lissa Evan's writing style. Funny, magical adventure with likeable characters.

[Kim Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really cute story to share with the kids

[Joel Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great last third with a lot of meaning. Took a while to have any emotional impact. A fun romp.

[Jo Bardgett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wished
By Lissa Evans
Published by David Fickling Books

When your told the half term holiday is to be spent in the company of your local elderly neighbour and their very smelly cat, life seems tough and so unfair for youngsters Ed and Roo. But it is only after the discovery of a packet of birthday candles with some very strange powers that the half term just isn’t long enough.
A witty, funny and over imaginative journey unfolds as wishes are granted to the most extreme places with the oddest of add ons. Words are everything within this world of exploration, so explain yourselves precisely is the key. Something every reader, writer and educator crave for in the wonderful world of words!
Another unique and beautiful written piece of children’s literature that will entertain and inspire for generations to come. A great example to be used within upper key stage 2 as both a class read, as well as an example to use as a scaffold towards independent writing.
Who wouldn’t want the chance to make a wish?

Joanne B - Year 3 teacher of littlies, lover of books.
#Netgallery
#LissaKEvans

[Kitchen Sink Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published in 2022 Lissa Evans’ Wished, published by David Fickling Books, is back with us in a paperback edition, perfect for starting of your 2023 reading journey with, after all there is nothing like a book that delivers lots of laughs and ideas for big wishes that may just come true in the most unexpected ways! Sometimes we are told to be careful what we wish for it may just come true and this tale certainly includes some cautionary moments, but it is also a magical adventure reading like a wish come true. It celebrates the joy of living life to the full, of aspirations, friendships and remembering to use your imagination as often as possible. A heartfelt story that will have you laughing out loud one moment and pondering words of wisdom the next.

Ed and his sister Roo are facing the most boring half term holiday in history, the most boring one known to children for their parents are sending them to Miss Filey’s house EVERY DAY - the holiday club has had to be cancelled after the toilet in the hall overflowed and the area has been declared a biohazard! Five days the pair will have to spend in the house of their elderly neighbour and her smelly cat. What could be worse…nothing they think…they then find a box of birthday candles in a cupboard and their world changes completely for these candles each come with a real wish only some of the wishes belong to someone else.