Wishes for One More Day

by Melanie Joy Pastor, Jacqui Grantford (Illustrator)

A grandfather's death inspires his grandchildren to create a book of wishes in this sensitive portrayal of dealing with the loss of a loved one. When Anna and her little brother Joey hear the sad news about their Poppy's death, they begin to think about what they would do if they could have one more day with him. They smile thinking about Poppy’s crazy birthday hat, giggle at the silly songs Poppy used to plunk out on the piano, and laugh out loud at the weekly chicken-soup game they played with him at the deli. As the list grows into a pile, the pile becomes a book—a book of wishes for one more day with Poppy—or, as their mother explains, a memory book of the love and fun they shared with him, since all of their wishes have already come true. This treasured memento celebrates Poppy’s life and helps Anna and Joey keep his memory alive for years to come.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poppy passed away last night and the two grandchildren are sad that they couldn't say 'goodbye'. They wished that they had 'one more day'; a day in which to revisit all the great fun they had with their Poppy.

The kids run off to write/draw all that the 'wished' they could do again with their grandad - which becomes their memory book.

The most poignant line for me as a parent is the observation from the little girl - "Wishes feel closer. Memories feel too far away, and I don't want them far away.". A strong reminder for me that children are in the here and now and they prefer the immediacy of thought and action.

[Dorieweiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very good friend Melanie wrote this book!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little girl and her brother write down what they wish they could do if they had one more day with their deceased grandfather.

[Terry]

Go to the Reading Tub to read our review.