This was a Newberry?

It was truly poorly written. The characters seemed completely unbelievable, lacking any depth or authenticity. The plot, too, was absolutely predictable, making it a rather dull read.

I wonder if the reason for its shortcomings lies in its portrayal of witchcraft and wishes as evil. After all, the characters were presented as 'good church abiding citizens/children'.

In my opinion, this is easily one of the worst Newberrys that I've read so far. I can only give it 2 stars, and that's being quite generous. I simply couldn't stand the characters, and the overall experience was just blegh.

No thank you. I would highly recommend any other Newberry book rather than this one. It fails to capture the essence and magic that a great Newberry book should possess.

I first read this book when I was in grade school.

I vividly remembered being completely captivated by both the enchanting story and the unique way the frogs in the book croaked, "jug-a-rum."

Just a few weeks ago, this book popped into my mind, and I decided to give it another read to uncover what had held such a powerful charm over me as a child.

As is the case with many things that seemed magical to me in childhood, I can't precisely put my finger on what it was about this book that made me so eager to ask my parents for a copy of my own. (I had to borrow the copy I initially read from the library because unfortunately, most of the books from my childhood were destroyed in a flood.)

However, that doesn't mean the book wasn't still delightful to read as an adult. This tale of "be careful what you wish for" is masterfully written and has truly stood the test of time.

Even though I could recall a significant portion of the book as I was reading, I was never once bored. In fact, it serves as a testament to the magic of the book, the author's talent, and the allure of the tale that it was able to speak to the person I was then in such a profound way that I would seek it out again, hoping to experience, if only for a moment, the innocence of my younger self reading a tale filled with magic men, girls who croaked, and boys who were wished into becoming vegetation.

It's truly a remarkable book that has left an indelible mark on my literary journey.

I recently read The Wish Giver, a Newbery Honor Book, as part of the Battle of the Books. This story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to be careful what we wish for.

The plot unfolds when three children listen to a strange tale told by a little man. He promises to grant whatever they wish for in exchange for just fifty cents. However, as soon as the wishes come true, the children realize that the reality is not necessarily what they had dreamed of.

Although it is a short story, I have to admit that I didn't particularly love it. Maybe it's because the characters didn't fully resonate with me, or perhaps the ending felt a bit rushed. Nevertheless, I can still appreciate the moral of the story. All in all, I'll give it ⭐️⭐️ stars.

Delightful Morality Tale


This charming story is presented in three small interlocking tales, all centered around the theme of obtaining what one desires and the prices we pay for our fantasies. It is a truly enjoyable and engaging read for middle children who have a penchant for magic and can easily identify with the yearnings, longings, and the fear of not being accepted. Each story within this collection weaves a captivating narrative that keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. The author has done a remarkable job of creating a world that is both entertaining and instructive. Through these tales, children can learn valuable lessons about the consequences of their actions and the importance of being true to themselves. It is a wonderful book that combines the elements of fantasy and morality in a seamless and engaging way.