Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
32(32%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
35(35%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I read this book when I was a kid, and it has remained on my shelves and in my memory ever since. So, during my latest collection culling, I made the decision to reread it.

It's true that it may not be as impressive and nuanced as many of the more recent Newberry Honor books. However, I still discovered that it was well worth reading and keeping.

This book is both entertaining and meaningful. It has the potential to spark interesting discussions among young readers.

Overall, I would rate it 3.5 stars, rounded up for the sake of nostalgia. It holds a special place in my heart and I'm sure it will for many others as well.
July 15,2025
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Don't waste your precious time on this book.

How on earth it managed to win the Newbery is completely beyond my comprehension.

It must have been an extremely lackluster year for literature.

However, using a full 180 pages to convey the simple message of "be careful what you wish for because you just might get it" seems rather excessive.

I despised this book when I read it during college as part of a Children's Lit course, mainly because I felt it had absolutely nothing valuable to offer children.

And I still detested it when I read it this time around, simply because it felt like a complete waste of paper.

There are so many other wonderful books out there that deserve our attention and time, rather than this one that fails to deliver any real substance or enjoyment.

It's a pity that such a book could receive an award like the Newbery, when there are far better works of literature that go unnoticed.

Hopefully, in the future, the selection process for such awards will be more discerning and only the truly outstanding books will be recognized.

July 15,2025
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This was one of my favorite childhood books.

I have such fond memories of reading it when I was young.

Recently, I decided to re-read it out loud to my kids.

To my delight, they were completely hooked from the very beginning.

The story was so engaging and full of adventure that they couldn't take their attention away.

After finishing the book, they were eager to know what happened next in the series.

They immediately expressed their desire to get the rest of the Coven Tree books.

It was truly a wonderful experience to share this beloved book with my children and see their excitement.

I can't wait to explore the rest of the series with them and create more memories together.

I'm sure these books will become a part of their childhood favorites as well.
July 15,2025
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A classic "be careful what you wish for" story awaits you. It is a short Newbery honor story that vividly depicts three wishes that take an unexpected and wrong turn. The book is available on Hoopla, and it comes with an excellent narrator who brings the story to life. This engaging tale is suitable for all ages. Whether you are a child or an adult, you will be captivated by the twists and turns of the plot. It serves as a reminder that our desires may not always lead to the outcomes we expect. So, before making a wish, think twice and be prepared for the consequences. Dive into this wonderful story and discover the lessons it has to offer.

July 15,2025
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This is a very well-written children's story that conveys a valuable message: be careful what you wish for!

The story likely takes young readers on an exciting adventure, filled with interesting characters and engaging plot twists. Through the experiences of the characters, children learn the importance of thinking before they wish for something.

It serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes, our wishes may not turn out the way we expect. This can help children develop a sense of responsibility and make more thoughtful decisions in their own lives.

Overall, this children's story is not only entertaining but also educational, making it a great choice for parents, teachers, and anyone who wants to share a meaningful story with children.
July 15,2025
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I first heard about this book during my elementary school days, and I completely fell head over heels in love with it. The stories within are incredibly clever, featuring a unique twist as they are written in a style similar to well-known folklore tales such as "The Devil and Daniel Webster" and "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" - a style that I simply adore.


The story, to some extent, may seem predictable. A strange little man arrives in town, offering wishes to the people. However, as it often happens, the wishes don't turn out as expected, and in the end, everyone learns a valuable lesson. But what makes this book truly special is the way it is written. It is filled with charm and wit, and surprisingly, the predictability actually enhances the overall story.


A couple of years ago, I purchased a copy of this book on Amazon and read it to my kids. They absolutely loved it, and two of them have since read it again on their own. Based on my personal experience and the enjoyment my kids have derived from it, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone!

July 15,2025
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A cute little book that delves into the theme of regretting what one wishes for. This is a charming children's book that features three intertwined tales, making it not only engaging but also great fun for kids. The stories take young readers on a journey through different scenarios where the characters make wishes without fully considering the consequences. As they experience the outcomes, they learn valuable lessons about being careful what they wish for. The book's illustrations are colorful and vibrant, adding to the overall appeal and helping to bring the stories to life. It's a wonderful read that not only entertains but also imparts important life lessons in a gentle and accessible way.

July 15,2025
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This was okay.

It was not outstanding, but it also wasn't bad. It was just an average experience. There were no major flaws or亮点, but it also didn't really wow me.

Perhaps it met the basic requirements, but it didn't go above and beyond. It was like a plain piece of bread - it filled the stomach, but it didn't offer any excitement or flavor.

However, I guess okay is better than terrible. At least it didn't cause any disappointment or frustration. It was just sort of there, existing in a state of mediocrity.

Maybe in some situations, okay is enough. But if you're looking for something truly remarkable, this probably wouldn't be it.

Overall, it was an okay experience, but nothing more.
July 15,2025
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This is an amazing book that is perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

It is filled with humor that will have everyone laughing out loud. The mystery elements keep you on the edge of your seat, constantly guessing what will happen next.

And the magic! Oh, the magic in this book is truly enchanting. It transports you to a world where anything is possible.

Whether you're a child or an adult, this book has something for everyone. It's a great way to spend quality time together as a family, sharing in the joy and excitement of the story.

So, if you're looking for a book that will bring laughter, mystery, and magic into your home, look no further than this one. It's a must-read for the whole family!
July 15,2025
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A wonderful children's story awaits! It tells the age-old lesson: Be Careful What You Wish For. This captivating tale takes young readers on an adventure filled with valuable lessons. The story unfolds in a way that keeps children engaged from start to finish. It shows them the consequences of making hasty wishes without considering the potential outcomes.


For a full review, visit the link provided: https://bookshelfadventures.home.blog.... There, you can discover more about the story, its characters, and the impact it has on its readers. Whether you're a parent looking for a great book to share with your child or a child eager for a new adventure, this story is sure to delight.


So, don't miss out on this wonderful children's story that teaches an important lesson in a fun and engaging way. Head over to the review link and start your own adventure with "The Wish Giver" by Bill Brittain.

July 15,2025
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This was an amazing book.

From the very first page, it had me completely hooked.

The story was so engaging and full of twists and turns that I couldn't put it down.

The characters were well-developed and felt real to me.

I found myself rooting for them and experiencing their emotions along with them.

The writing style was beautiful, with vivid descriptions that painted a clear picture in my mind.

It was as if I was actually there in the story, witnessing everything that was happening.

I loved this book to the core and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

It's one of those books that you'll remember long after you've finished reading it.

July 15,2025
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This book presents a valuable moral, which is to be cautious about what one wishes for. However, I don't believe it would maintain the interest of fourth graders.

I had a few children give it a try, but they didn't show much enthusiasm for it.

Personally, I wasn't a big enthusiast either, yet it was acceptable.

The story might have some good points, but it seems to lack the engaging elements that would capture the attention of young readers at that grade level.

Perhaps some adjustments could be made to make it more appealing and relevant to their interests and experiences.

Overall, while the moral is important, the book's ability to hold the interest of fourth graders leaves something to be desired.
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