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Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World
By Ryan Traynor, Age 11, California
Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World
By Roseanne Thong
Recommended Ages: 4-8
The book Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World by Roseanne Thong is a triple gift for every reader. It has a poem that starts out each tradition, followed by information about the tradition, and also has wonderful art on each page. I say art because these are some of the most beautiful paintings I have ever seen. The culture and joy jump off the page and clearly shows what the tradition contains. Each piece of clothing worn by the people has a colorful pattern that keeps you staring at each picture for a long time. The poetry is fun and full of imagery, such as “'We puff on dandelions/ with their fluff as white as milk / our wishes sail through the breeze/ on parachutes of silk.”
I found the traditions to be very interesting. There are traditions from Japan, China, Thailand, Russia, Iran, Israel, India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, Ireland, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico and the United States. My favorite one was about throwing coins in the Trevi fountain in Rome in order to get married, fall in love, or return to Rome. I sure hope I did the right wish – to return to Rome! Most of the traditions were new to me and probably will be to most kids. Whether you plan to wish on a peacock feather, fly a kite, or put your wish on a paper inside a wall, you will find something in this book that will make you appreciate your own traditions and the new ones. The last page has even more detailed information about the traditions if you are interested in learning more. Also, there are hidden lucky symbols in the pictures for those who like the challenge of a treasure hunt.
After you’ve read this book, you’ll wish you had given it to many friends.
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