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 vividly remember this book from my childhood days. Interestingly, this particular cover is new to me.

The beginning of the book was a bit of a bumpy ride. I found myself uncertain about the specific time period or the setting in which the story was unfolding. At times, the flow of words seemed a little off-kilter. However, as I delved deeper into the book, I came to enjoy the overall story and developed a liking for the characters.

I distinctly recalled "The Tree Man" from my childhood, and it had always fascinated me. Even now, that story remained the most captivating one for me. Additionally, I also really enjoyed the last story in the book.

The concept of "be careful what you wish for" is not a novel one, but I thought the setting in which it was presented was quite interesting. Although it was a little challenging to determine exactly what time period we were in - was it the 1920s or the 30s? - I still found the moral behind each wish to be quite good.

Overall, I derived enjoyment from reading this book, although perhaps not to the same extent as I did when I was younger. It was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, and I'm glad I revisited this childhood favorite.
July 15,2025
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A Decent Young Reader Book: The Perils of Casting Wishes



There is a truly captivating young reader book that delves into the fascinating and often perilous world of casting wishes. This engaging story takes readers on a journey where they discover that what may seem like a harmless wish can, in fact, turn into a curse.



The book follows the adventures of a young protagonist who, through a series of events, finds themselves in a situation where they have the power to cast wishes. At first, it all seems like great fun and excitement. The wishes bring about seemingly wonderful changes and opportunities.



However, as the story progresses, the protagonist begins to realize that there are unforeseen consequences to their wishes. What they thought would be a blessing quickly turns into a curse, causing them to face numerous challenges and difficulties.



Through this thrilling narrative, young readers are taught valuable lessons about the importance of being careful what they wish for and the consequences that can come with their actions. It also encourages them to think about the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment.



This decent young reader book is not only entertaining but also educational, making it a must-read for children of all ages.

July 15,2025
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Just as good the second time.

My six-year-old son thoroughly enjoyed this book last year and couldn't wait to read it again this year.

The story doesn't feel long at all, and it is enhanced by a few beautifully drawn pictures throughout.

These pictures not only add to the visual appeal but also prompt good discussions between us.

The author has done a wonderful job of writing this book.

The language is simple yet engaging, making it a perfect read-aloud for parents and children.

We highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a charming and enjoyable read for their little ones.

It's a book that will be cherished and read again and again in our household.

July 15,2025
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Luke and I read this one together, and it was truly an enjoyable experience.

It is a cautionary tale that vividly shows what can happen when wishes made are taken too literally.

In Coven Tree, three kids receive a wish from a mysterious peddler. However, things don't go as planned for them, and their wishes backfire in rather unexpected ways.

As a result, it is left to the grown man to use his final wish to save the day.

The story is filled with excitement and surprises, making it a lot of fun to read.

It keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next and how the characters will deal with the consequences of their wishes.

Overall, it is a great read that not only entertains but also teaches an important lesson about the power of wishes and the importance of being careful what you wish for.

July 15,2025
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3.5 stars.

This month, the 4th grade girls book club is focusing on folk tales! Folk tales are stories that have been passed down through generations, often teaching important lessons or values.

The girls are excited to explore different cultures and traditions through these stories. They will read tales from around the world, learning about brave heroes, magical creatures, and wise old sages.

As they read, the girls will discuss the themes and messages in each story. They will also compare and contrast the different folk tales, looking for similarities and differences.

At the end of the month, the girls will have a better understanding of the rich and diverse world of folk tales. They will have gained new insights into different cultures and learned valuable life lessons along the way.

It's sure to be a fun and educational month for the 4th grade girls book club!
July 15,2025
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It took a whopping 20 years to hunt down this book.

I had long since forgotten the author, and could only recall fragmented snippets of this book, which were intertwined with his other works.

However, today, on this glorious day, from the deepest recesses of my mind, I managed to extract the tiny detail that cracked the mystery.

It was a Newbury winner. Suddenly, the seemingly infinite list of potential books dwindled down to a very short and organized one.

My life is now complete. I have finally found my white whale.

This long-awaited discovery feels like a huge accomplishment, and I can't wait to dive into the pages of this book and relive those forgotten memories.

It's amazing how one small detail can lead to such a significant breakthrough.

I'm grateful for this moment and look forward to many more hours of reading and enjoyment.
July 15,2025
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I selected this particular piece

because I have a penchant for thoughtful narratives that explore the ramifications of ill-conceived wishes. However, this one falls short in that regard. The wishers here are almost as thoughtless as the man with a sausage adhered to his nose. The voices of the characters lack consistency and fail to convince. Moreover, the manner in which the three stories are interconnected seems rather contrived. Even as a child, before delving into other, superior stories on the same theme or watching better Twilight Zone episodes, I wouldn't have had a great liking for this.

Oh, and lo and behold, it's a Newbery Honor book. So, I'll make an effort to procure a copy and reread it in a few years. Perhaps in a group discussion, I'll be able to glean more appreciation for it.

Maybe with a different perspective and the input of others, I'll come to see the hidden gems within this work that I initially overlooked.
July 15,2025
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What a truly surprising delight it is! I am always filled with joy when I come across an unknown book that unexpectedly turns out to be an absolute source of great fun.

I am not entirely certain that I would have derived as much enjoyment from it if it weren't for the audio version. The narrator was fantastically hilarious, and his various voices had me giggling away non-stop.

This book contains great little lessons that are perfect for people who yearn for something better in life. I would absolutely love to share this wonderful book with my fifth graders. It is highly recommended without a doubt.

I believe that it has the potential to bring laughter and valuable teachings to many. Whether you read it in print or listen to the audio, it is sure to be a memorable experience.
July 15,2025
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When I was in grade school, my teacher read this story to the class.

The part about the Tree Man has haunted me ever since.

It was such a vivid and disturbing image that it stuck in my mind.

About two decades later, I decided to revisit that chapter.

To my surprise, it still had the power to make me uneasy.

The description of the Tree Man was just as eerie as I remembered.

His branches reaching out like arms, his leaves rustling in the wind.

It was a fun October read, but also a bit spooky.

It made me think about the power of stories to affect us long after we've heard them.

And it reminded me that sometimes, the things that scared us as children can still have an impact on us as adults.

Overall, it was a memorable reading experience that I won't soon forget.

July 15,2025
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When The Wish Giver arrives at the Coven Tree church social, four townspeople each part with 50 cents in exchange for one wish. Little do they know how these wishes will have a profound impact on their lives.

I recall adoring this book when I was around fifth grade. Although I couldn't remember the details of the story, I vividly remember the intense love I had for it.

Surprisingly, it has aged well! As a young reader, I probably didn't realize that the story serves as a cautionary tale, warning us to be careful what we wish for. I simply relished the whimsical way in which the wishes materialized. Polly wishes that people would like her and greet her with smiles. Rowena desires that a handsome traveling salesman would settle down in their town. Adam wishes for an abundance of water on his parents' farm. And indeed, they all get what they wished for!

This was a quick and effortless read for me, and I'm fairly certain I had a smile on my face throughout, reliving the magic I experienced as a young reader. The illustrations by Andrew Glass are outstanding as well. There is one particular picture of the traveling salesman that still gives me goosebumps!

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to younger readers. It's a delightful story that would be a joy to read aloud with a child.
July 15,2025
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I like this book so far and it's really good.

The story it tells is captivating and keeps me engaged from the very beginning. The characters are well-developed and I find myself easily relating to them. The author has a unique writing style that makes the words come alive on the page.

I also appreciate the depth and complexity of the plot. There are many twists and turns that I didn't see coming, which adds to the excitement and suspense.

Overall, this book has exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to see what happens next. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.

July 15,2025
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The Wish Giver is a captivating story that revolves around three children and one shopkeeper in the town of Coven Tree. This town has a history of experiencing magic, which adds an element of mystery and wonder to the narrative.

One fateful day, a mysterious figure known as the "Wish Giver" arrives in town. The children, filled with curiosity and longing, begin to make wishes. However, as they do so, things start to take an unexpected turn and go wrong.

The story unfolds as the children face the consequences of their wishes and must find a way to set things right. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about the power of wishes and the importance of being careful what they wish for.

The Wish Giver is a charming and engaging tale that will appeal to readers of all ages, as it explores themes of magic, responsibility, and the consequences of our actions.
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