Ava Tree and the Wishes Three

by Jeanne Betancourt, Angela Dominguez (Illustrator)

The morning of Ava Tree's eighth birthday begins the same as always . . . only different. Today, Ava makes wishes and they come true. It's A for Amazing !
First, she wishes that her pet rabbit, Tibbar, will use the toilet instead of his messy, annoying litter box . . . and he does. Then she wishes that her best friend's very proper mother will not ruin her very improper backwards birthday party by making it forward, upside up right, down side down, and right side out . . . and she doesn't.
Can Ava wish for anything she wants on her birthday--and every day after that--and have it come true? What if her biggest wish is to undo the saddest thing in her life so far (and possibly forever)? Can that wish come true, too?
It couldn't hurt to try.

Genres: Chapter Books, Fantasy, Juvenile

144 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2009

About the author

When I was growing up I never thought of being an author. I was a terrible speller and didn't want to write any more than I had to. I wanted to be a tap dancer when I grew up. After a few years of teaching junior high and high school, I wrote my first novel. It was a surprise to discover that I liked making up stories and writing them down. I liked it so much that eventually I stopped teaching and became a fulltime writer.

Besides novels for children and young adults, I've also told stories by writing scripts for television and the movies.

I live on the top floor of a sixteen-story building near the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. From my apartment I have a view of Manhattan that includes the Empire State Building and the Plaza Hotel. In my free time I draw, paint, and read. I still love to dance.

Some people think that a writer's life is lonely. But when I'm writing a story I don't feel lonely because I am actively involved with lots of interesting people – the characters in my books. I love knowing that some day readers will get to know these characters, too. If you are one of my readers I hope you have as much enjoyment in reading my stories as I have writing them.

Reviews

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story about an 8 year old orphan who lives with her 22 year old brother and discovers she has the power to make her wishes come true on her 8th birthday. Although the loss of her parents (prior to the story) is keenly felt by both brother and sister, their heartwarming relationship and Ava Tree's charming pluckiness makes the reader hope that there are more Ava Tree books to come. I'd recommend to girls grades 2-3.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

An odd little story about Ava Tree and the three (supposed) wishes she makes on her eighth birthday that come true. While little insignificant wishes magically come true, the bigger ones do not.

With no resolution to the wish-making, and the greater issue of being orphaned at age six, the story is confusing and wishy-washy when it comes to reaching a satisfying conclusion. The illustrations are appropriate and right on target.

[Susan Dunn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short. Ava realizes that she has the power to have three wishes granted each day. But the only thing she really wants is to have her parents back. Will her power work for this?

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute enough. Good first chapter book for 3rd grade.

[Ms. Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story about love, friendship, and the power of wishes. Great for young readers with a simple and easy to follow style and short chapters.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is the first day of summer vacation and eight year old Ava Tree wakes up to the nuzzling of her pet rabbit Tibbar. On this particular morning, Ava’s brother Jack is preparing blueberry pancakes for her birthday. Besides attending college and running his computer business., Jack became Ava’s guardian when their parents died in a car accident. During the day Ava makes three random wishes as she gets ready for her “Backwards” birthday party, she makes three random wishes, and curiously, they come true. She wonders if she couldn’t wish her parents to be alive again. In the weeks that follow, Ava tests her theory and learns that it doesn’t hurt to try, even though isomethings are not to be. (Grades 2-4)

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet little story that was pretty short on plot but packed full of gentle things that younger elementary-aged readers will like: a pet rabbit who does tricks, a newly discovered wishing power, and a (temporary) triumph over a bully. This will go over well with kids who like Junie B. but are willing to trade some of the humor for magic.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used for 2/3 Book Club - 5/12

[Dana Grimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story about love, friendship, and the power of wishes. Great for young readers with a simple and easy to follow style and short chapters.

[Coolcat · Rating 1 out of 5]

BORING