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Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World
This lively compilation of wishing traditions from around the world is sure to educate and inspire young readersand makes a perfect gift! Each charming custom provides insight into the cultures of lands far and near while reminding us of the similarities we all share. Includes Japan, China, Thailand, Russia, Iran, Israel, India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Ireland,Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States.
36 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 12, 2011
Yes, I am a sucker for books such as this: books that talk about one thing and how it’s done in different cultures. In this case it’s wish traditions.
Fifteen ways of wishing from fifteen different cultures/countries are covered in little blurbs and in slightly more depth in a section in the back of the book, and also on a map, which is another wonderful illustration.
The illustrations by Kleven rival her best work. They’re educational, fun, beautifully colorful, and busy in a wonderful way. I love them. I love how each picture’s locale in included seamlessly into the pictures. Kids can learn a bit more about each area than one of its wishing traditions.
This is a gift worthy book and will have appeal to many children, especially those who are interested in children who live around the world.
The section in the back with a short text paragraph expands on the information already provided in the book, with more about the current tradition and/or its history. There are a lot of little extras in this book. One is on the inside back cover where there are tiny illustrations with lucky objects (such as a ladybug, a rainbow, and a horseshoe) that can be searched for within the book’s illustrations. I like how the book ends; it asks for the reader/listener to ask how they wish.
I loved this book; I did not do it justice, I’m afraid. I always want more information in books like this one, but for a picture book, I think it is a good length. Kids can always do further research if they’re interested in the subject.
Fifteen ways of wishing from fifteen different cultures/countries are covered in little blurbs and in slightly more depth in a section in the back of the book, and also on a map, which is another wonderful illustration.
The illustrations by Kleven rival her best work. They’re educational, fun, beautifully colorful, and busy in a wonderful way. I love them. I love how each picture’s locale in included seamlessly into the pictures. Kids can learn a bit more about each area than one of its wishing traditions.
This is a gift worthy book and will have appeal to many children, especially those who are interested in children who live around the world.
The section in the back with a short text paragraph expands on the information already provided in the book, with more about the current tradition and/or its history. There are a lot of little extras in this book. One is on the inside back cover where there are tiny illustrations with lucky objects (such as a ladybug, a rainbow, and a horseshoe) that can be searched for within the book’s illustrations. I like how the book ends; it asks for the reader/listener to ask how they wish.
I loved this book; I did not do it justice, I’m afraid. I always want more information in books like this one, but for a picture book, I think it is a good length. Kids can always do further research if they’re interested in the subject.
March 20, 2020
This delightful picture-book compendium of the diverse wishing traditions of the world profiles the customs and practices of fifteen different nations, from Guatemala to Thailand. The Brazilian New Year's celebration, in which flowers and combs are offered to Yemanja, the goddess of the sea; the tossing of coins into the Trevi Fountain, in Rome; the stirring of the Christmas pudding in Australia; the blowing out of birthday cake candle in the United States - all are actions that are taken in the belief that wishes will be granted. Sometimes the belief is that wishes will be granted if a particular object is found, or an animal seen. In India, peacock feathers, stuck carefully in the pages of books, are said to bring wishes to schoolchildren; while the Zulu of South Africa believe that the sight of a single striped weasel (an uncommon occurrence, since these animals usually appear in groups) is lucky, and that the person who sees a solitary weasel must make a wish.
Whatever the belief or practice, however, each of the fifteen wonderful examples in Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World emphasizes both the diversity of the human family, and its unity. We may wish in different ways, and in different tongues, but the wishing itself - the desire, and the belief that somehow we can bring that desire to fruition, if we only do things a certain way - is everywhere to be found. Informative and entertaining, this lovely book also boasts the wonderfully colorful and imaginative collage artwork of talented illustrator Elisa Kleven. Young folklore enthusiasts, children interested in the diverse customs of the wide world around them, and fans of Elisa Kleven's art will all find something to appeal to them here!
Whatever the belief or practice, however, each of the fifteen wonderful examples in Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World emphasizes both the diversity of the human family, and its unity. We may wish in different ways, and in different tongues, but the wishing itself - the desire, and the belief that somehow we can bring that desire to fruition, if we only do things a certain way - is everywhere to be found. Informative and entertaining, this lovely book also boasts the wonderfully colorful and imaginative collage artwork of talented illustrator Elisa Kleven. Young folklore enthusiasts, children interested in the diverse customs of the wide world around them, and fans of Elisa Kleven's art will all find something to appeal to them here!
January 29, 2009
Readers get the joy of moving from country to country and seeing how children make wishes in various cultures. Each country gets a two-page spread with an explanation of the way to wish and the culture lovingly depicted in Kleven's illustrations. Though we move from country to country and each is seen as unique, there is also a strong sense of global community here all based on the common thread of the wish. What a powerful symbol for everyone's desire for a positive future in the world.
Thong's paragraphs on how to make wishes are each accompanied by a four line poem. One could read the book to smaller children and just share the short poems in each one, but most children will want all of the interesting details. Thong has edited her paragraphs with great skill, harboring no repetition from country to country and being factual but fascinating at the same time.
Recommended for nonfiction collections in libraries that are looking for books that are friendly entry points to multiculturalism. This makes a great book to cuddle up with and start a discussion on how we make wishes ourselves. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
Thong's paragraphs on how to make wishes are each accompanied by a four line poem. One could read the book to smaller children and just share the short poems in each one, but most children will want all of the interesting details. Thong has edited her paragraphs with great skill, harboring no repetition from country to country and being factual but fascinating at the same time.
Recommended for nonfiction collections in libraries that are looking for books that are friendly entry points to multiculturalism. This makes a great book to cuddle up with and start a discussion on how we make wishes ourselves. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
February 25, 2020
The kids and I picked this book up because we really enjoy Roseanne Thong's books. We really liked this one. We enjoyed the rhyming text which our younger readers read out loud. And then our older reader read the description of the wish process and where the tradition of the wish is from. We all found this very interesting and learned some new things.
This book works as a wonderful jump off for a creative process. I asked my younger kids to come up with a new and made up way to make a wish. And for my older kids, they researched other ways cultures makes wishes and where those ideas came from.
This book works as a wonderful jump off for a creative process. I asked my younger kids to come up with a new and made up way to make a wish. And for my older kids, they researched other ways cultures makes wishes and where those ideas came from.
June 6, 2017
My 3.5-year-old and I really enjoyed this book. Each two-page spread is dedicated to a wishing tradition, with a rhyming couplets and a brief paragraph of prose explaining the tradition. Countries from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America are represented; it's not even in its representation but still presents a reasonably diverse selection. The illustrations are beautiful, and the text strikes a good balance between providing enough information and being brief enough to keep the attention of younger children.
October 21, 2016
A cute little book that describes wishing traditions from different cultures. There is a short little poem for each culture, and a simple paragraph describing the tradition.
We had fun looking up the traditions on the Internet with pictures and videos to delve more into each culture. Very fun way to celebrate different holidays and catch a glimpse at various cultures.
We had fun looking up the traditions on the Internet with pictures and videos to delve more into each culture. Very fun way to celebrate different holidays and catch a glimpse at various cultures.
December 21, 2022
Another beautiful book from my childhood found in my parents’ attic! I have always told everyone that a dandelion wish doesn’t come true unless it all comes off in one breath, and I never knew where I got that from - turns out it was this book! How cute :)
March 28, 2011
Illustrator:Elisa Kleven
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Year: 2008
Interest Level: K-4
Reading Level: 3-5
This book is beautifully illustrated and shares different traditions around the world of how different people make wishes. The style of the text has a whimsical quality that will draw in children. Each page describes one tradition. It begins with a poetic verse that shares what the tradition is and then it has a paragraph that provides some additional information to understand more of the background to the tradition. It would be great for student to compare and contrast different countries. The last tradition is the United States for a birthday wish, but I think students could also add other examples of when it is good to make a wish- throwing a penny or blowing an eyelash. I like this book because it goes beyond food and holidays with a deeper cultural context for students in k-2, which I do not see as often. It can serve as a good kick off to learning about other cultures by looking at this universal experience that is a pleasant one. That opens the door, especially for younger children.
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Year: 2008
Interest Level: K-4
Reading Level: 3-5
This book is beautifully illustrated and shares different traditions around the world of how different people make wishes. The style of the text has a whimsical quality that will draw in children. Each page describes one tradition. It begins with a poetic verse that shares what the tradition is and then it has a paragraph that provides some additional information to understand more of the background to the tradition. It would be great for student to compare and contrast different countries. The last tradition is the United States for a birthday wish, but I think students could also add other examples of when it is good to make a wish- throwing a penny or blowing an eyelash. I like this book because it goes beyond food and holidays with a deeper cultural context for students in k-2, which I do not see as often. It can serve as a good kick off to learning about other cultures by looking at this universal experience that is a pleasant one. That opens the door, especially for younger children.
May 1, 2012
I really enjoy this book. Each page describes and illustrates how a different country practices their wishing traditions. For example, in the United States people close their eyes, make a wish, and try to blow out all the candles on their birthday cake-- If they do, it is said their wish will come true, but only if they keep it a secret. I recently used this book to introduce social studies/history topics to a 1st grade class. We focused on Japan and China and they made wishes, according to the book. They also learned facts (such as population, popular sports, typical food/day for each country) At the end, they worked together in groups to see how many facts they could differentiate between the two countries. The children absolutely loved this book and activity! It was also great for compare/contrast wishes from around the world, to practices the children do themselves.
February 19, 2011
This is a very interesting little book with lovely illustrations done by Elisa Kleven (whose book "The Apple Doll" I love). Childhood traditions for making a wish from many countries around the world are simply explained (with a bit more detail about each in some end notes). Most of the traditions are associated with festivals and are quite whimsical. In Guatemala, colorful circular kites are flown from cemeteries on November 1/2 to carry wishes up to the gods. In Japan, during the Star Festival on July 7th, wishes are written on colored papers tied to bamboo branches, commemorating a shepherd and a fairy weaver from a Japanese legend. Each of the customs is simply told and accompanied by colorful full-page illustrations.
July 27, 2015
This lively compilation of wishing traditions from around the world is sure to educate and inspire young readersand makes a perfect gift Each charming custom provides insight into the cultures of lands far and near while reminding us of the similarities we all share. Includes Japan, China, Thailand, Russia, Iran, Israel, India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States
Author Notes
Roseanne Thong lived in Hong Kong for many years. She now resides in California and is the author of Red Is a Dragon. As a child, Elisa Kleven enjoyed using her imagination to create magical worlds. This love of the fantastical greatly influences her illustration and writing. Elisa lives in Albany, California, with her husband and children.
June 9, 2011
Roseanne Thong describes wishes from cultures around the world in this fun nonfiction text. Each set of pages includes rich, detailed illustrations and a brief explanation about the wish. Some wishes I was familiar with, such as blowing the fluff off a dandelion (Ireland) or the Wishing Wall in Jerusalem. But there were many I didn't know about, such as students putting lucky peacock feathers in their school books (India). This is a fun book and I recommend it for elementary-aged children.
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June 14, 2014Wishing traditions around the world has a ton of connections that can be made. I found several text to self connections, one was about the South African tradition of wishing when you see a stripped weasel, which reminds me of a tradition we have when you wish upon a star. Another connection I made was with a tradition in Ireland where if your flower can be blown out with one breathe then your wish will come true. This made me think of when I blow out the candles on a birthday cake, if I can blow them all out in one breathe then my wish will also come true.
November 19, 2008
Splashing, soaring, leaping and dreaming, gorgeously detailed watercolour and collage illustrations whisk us into the midst of vivid wishing traditions across the globe in this beautiful reminder of our universal desires.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
You can listen in on our chat about this book on our Just One More Book! Children's Book Podcast.
June 28, 2012
What a delightful book! I can not wait to read this to my students next year! The extension possibilities are huge! Elisa Kleven is one of my favorite illustrators so I was thrilled to find it! This is a nonfiction book about the wishing traditions children have all over the world. Quite fascinating...
March 23, 2011
Love Elisa Kleven's artwork.
Wishing traditions from around the word -- from lucky peacock feathers in India, coins in Rome's Trevi fountain, to a coin in a shoe in Russia and dandelions in Ireland. Some are part of festivals are celebrations, while others are part of everyday.
Wishing traditions from around the word -- from lucky peacock feathers in India, coins in Rome's Trevi fountain, to a coin in a shoe in Russia and dandelions in Ireland. Some are part of festivals are celebrations, while others are part of everyday.
January 23, 2012
Whether you make a wish upon a star or when you blow candles out on a birthday cake, a wish is something shared by people around the world. Roseanne Thong pairs wishing traditions with poetry and lovely illustrations.
March 5, 2013
This is a very interesting book. It talks about all the wish traditions that happen around the world. The book tells were the wish tradition happens and why that tradition is still there. I think children would like this book because it talks about many different ways to get a wish granted.
February 5, 2014
A wonderful picture book with lovely illustrations about what kids do in different parts of the world when they want to make a wish. Wish on a star? Hang wishes in trees? Great for grades preschool - 3.
May 31, 2016
Excellent source to help your kids learn about wishing traditions from around the world. Must read for those wanting to expose children to other cultures. The illustrations are colorfully vivid and will promote discussion.
October 29, 2008
Perfect for teachers looking for unusual themes for their multicultural units.
July 25, 2009
I had never read about some of these. This is a topic that is not overdone and the format makes it interesting for students.
September 1, 2012
My children were fascinated by the different wishing traditions around the world, especially my son who shares a birthday with the Star Festival of Japan. Beautiful illustrations and informative.
January 18, 2013
Beautiful book. I wish I may, I wish I might; I wish I'd have this wish tonight........
September 19, 2013
Cute book for kids, and I was fascinated to learn about how other countries make wishes around the world. There were many that I want to try myself.
March 23, 2021
Oh, whimsy and wishes! To participate in each one of the traditions outlined in Rosanne Thong's book would be a dream for kids and adults alike.
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October 6, 2018This is a book you can explore just by looking at the pages, reading cover to cover or just one page at a time. There's more in the full review. Did you read this book? Add your review.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews