“Two girls and two boys, tweens living in the same town. . . choose their wishes in different ways, depending on their personalities as well as personal circumstances. After their wishes are granted, each one deals with the consequences of their decisions. . . . Voigt. . . tells four separate, parallel, realistic stories; each one is magical and memorable in its own way” — Booklist (starred review)
“In this gentle, thoughtful tale, four children are unexpectedly granted two wishes each. . . . Though the entries briefly overlap, Newbery Medalist Voigt (Toaff’s Way) presents each child’s story as a self-contained narrative. . . . [A] modern fairy tale that capitalizes on ambiguity and mystery.” — Publishers Weekly
"Each story explores the balance between selfishness and selflessness. A cautionary moral lesson lies at the heart of these narratives, with the characters’ inner conflicts and social-emotional learning adding depth and captivating interest. . . . Newbery-winning author Voigt skillfully weaves modern-day fairy tales that will resonate with readers, imparting timeless lessons about what truly matters in life. Kaulitzki’s spot art adds a sweet and whimsical touch. . . . This enchanting book will leave readers contemplating their own wishes and the deeper meaning behind them." — Kirkus Reviews
“Voigt treads a skillful line between magic and concrete human realities, between getting what you want and discovering what you value—all with convincing, flawed characters, child and adult, in a variety of family situations. The narrative voice, complete with direct address to the reader, is ever-present here, and the moral lessons learned—honesty, compassion, generosity, humility, grit—are made explicit in a way appropriate for fable, which is really the storytelling territory these tales inhabit.” — Horn Book Magazine
