Books About Wishes · 228 titles considered

The Best Wishes Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about wishes? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Mr. Gedrick and Me
The Wishmakers
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Wishes

Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Mr. Gedrick and Me

By Patrick Carman

A mysterious nanny arrives to mend a grieving family's broken bonds with a touch of magic.

224 pages· 41,848 words· Est. 6 hour read
6.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 416 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Stanley Darrow's life is in disarray after his father's death, leaving his family struggling to cope. Enter Mr. Gedrick, a peculiar nanny with a knack for transforming chaos into order. As he tidies their home, Stanley wonders if Mr. Gedrick can also heal their hearts. But what secrets does this enigmatic figure hide behind his crooked grin? Can he truly help Stanley, his siblings, and their mother find their way back to each other? Discover the magic and mystery that could reunite a fractured family.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Wishmakers

By Tyler Whitesides, Jessica Warrick (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Wishmakers series

A boy's wishes could save the world or lead to chaos. Can he handle the consequences?

325 pages· 65,566 words· Est. 9 hour read
6.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 596 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Twelve-year-old Ace's world flips upside down when he releases a genie from a peanut butter jar. Now a Wishmaker, Ace must complete an impossible quest in a week, or face a cuddly apocalypse. With unlimited wishes at his disposal, Ace must navigate the tricky consequences of each wish. Will he outsmart the magical chaos, or will his desires lead to disaster? Join Ace on a whirlwind adventure filled with unpredictable magic and zany humor, where every wish could be his last. Can he save the world without losing himself in the process?
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 1977

Please Try to Remember the First of Octember!

On Octember the First, all your wildest wishes come true. What will you wish for?

48 pages· 525 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,529 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Imagine a day when every wish is granted. On Octember the First, dreams become reality, from balloon pools in the sky to pickle trees in your yard. Dive into a whimsical world where laughter and imagination reign. What would you wish for if anything were possible? This delightful tale invites young readers to explore the magic of wishes and the joy of dreaming big. With simple words and vibrant illustrations, it's a perfect adventure for early readers eager to discover the power of imagination.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Star Outside My Window

A girl believes her missing mum is a star and sets out to prove it.

320 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,641 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Summary: Ten-year-old Aniyah is convinced her missing mum has become a star. When a new star behaves oddly, she embarks on a daring quest to prove her theory, breaking into the Royal Observatory and encountering unexpected allies. Can Aniyah convince the world of her extraordinary belief, or will her journey reveal something even more profound? Join her on an adventure filled with hope and discovery.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1954

Half Magic

By Edward Eager, N. M. Bodecker (Illustrator), N. M. Bodecker (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Tales of Magic series

Four siblings discover a mysterious charm that grants wishes, but with unexpected and often chaotic consequences.

224 pages· 36,160 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 38,656 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Jane's summer turns extraordinary when she finds a coin that grants wishes—only halfway. With her siblings, she navigates the chaos of doubled desires. Can they master the coin's tricky magic before their wishes spiral out of control?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Memory of Forgotten Things

A girl believes a solar eclipse can bring back her deceased mother.

288 pages· 45,786 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 432 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Twelve-year-old Sophia clings to memories of her mother, who died when she was six. But her memories don't always match reality. When a school project on solar eclipses sparks hope, Sophia becomes convinced the upcoming eclipse can alter her past. With the help of two unlikely friends, she embarks on a quest to bring her mother back. As the eclipse approaches, Sophia must navigate the blurred lines between memory and reality, facing the possibility of loss once more. Will the eclipse grant her wish, or will she find acceptance in the truth?
Picture Book · Ages 7–11 · 1883

Pinocchio

A puppet's quest to become real leads to daring adventures.

272 pages· 43,628 words· Est. 5.5 hour read-aloud
4.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 90,480 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Geppetto carves a puppet from a peculiar piece of wood, and to his surprise, it comes to life. Pinocchio, the mischievous puppet, dreams of becoming a real boy. His journey is filled with thrilling escapades and challenges that test his bravery and curiosity. Will Pinocchio's adventures lead him to his heart's desire, or will his mischief get the better of him? Dive into a tale where wooden dreams come alive and every choice could change everything.
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 1969

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

A magic pebble grants wishes, but one wish traps Sylvester in an unexpected form.

Caldecott Medal (1970)
42 pages· 1,423 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 46,227 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Summary: Sylvester, a young donkey, discovers a magic pebble that grants wishes. When a lion scares him, he makes a wish that transforms him in an unforeseen way. Trapped and separated from his family, Sylvester's journey to return to his true self unfolds with heartwarming surprises. Will he find his way back to his loved ones and regain his original form? This enchanting tale, with its vibrant illustrations, captures the essence of hope and family bonds.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Malala's Magic Pencil

By Malala Yousafzai, Kerascoet (Illustrator)

A young girl's desire for a magic pencil leads her to discover the power of her own voice and the importance of education.

40 pages· 897 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 5,486 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Young Malala dreams of a magic pencil to transform her surroundings, from erasing garbage to granting extra sleep. As she matures, she realizes the world needs more than wishes. Without a magic pencil, she learns that determination and hope can still make dreams come true. Discover how Malala's vision inspires change and resilience in this beautifully illustrated tale.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

The Perfectly Perfect Wish

A girl discovers a magical wish and seeks the perfect selfless choice.

32 pages· 484 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.7/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 259 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: A young girl stumbles upon a magical object granting her a single wish. As she consults those around her, she grapples with the challenge of choosing a wish that embodies empathy and kindness. What will her perfect wish be? This enchanting tale explores the power of selflessness and the impact of considering others' needs.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box
Browse by age

Wishes Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about wishes for the youngest readers and listeners.

Make a Wish, Midas!

Ages 1–3 · 2015

Midas learns that too much yellow can turn his world upside down.

Uni the Unicorn and the Dream Come True

Ages 0–3 · 2017

A unicorn and a girl unite to save a rain-drenched magical land.

Grandma Wishes

Ages 0–2 · 2015

A special star reveals a grandma's wishes for her new grandchild.

Star Light, Star Bright

Ages 2–6 · 2014

Whisper wishes for magical dreams and sweet slumber.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Ages 0–3 · 1994

A wish upon a star leads to a magical night sky adventure.

The Snowiest Christmas Ever!

Ages 2–5 · 2020

Snow threatens Christmas. Can bear cubs save the day?

A Christmas Gift for Little One
Sale price
$799

A Christmas Gift for Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Discover the magic of heartfelt Christmas wishes in this enchanting holiday tale.

Happy New Year, Spot!

Ages 3–5 · 2016

A puppy finds a way to celebrate New Year before midnight.

Good Night Bedtime
Sale price
$995

Good Night Bedtime

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover soothing bedtime rituals that promise sweet dreams and a restful night for little ones.

A Christmas Wish

Ages 3–5 · 2017

Peter Rabbit tries to stay awake on Christmas Eve to catch a glimpse of Santa.

Disney Wish Little Golden Book

Ages 2–5 · 2023

Asha's wish to the stars sparks a cosmic adventure to save her kingdom.

View all wishes board books
Browse by age

Wishes Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about wishes for preschool and elementary-age readers.

How to Catch a Star

Ages 3–7 · 2004

A boy's quest to catch a star leads to unexpected discoveries.

The Fox Wish
Sale price
$1699

The Fox Wish

Ages 2–5 · 2003

Two kids find their jump rope in a magical fox world.

The Wish Tree

Ages 2–4 · 2016

Two friends go on a journey to find a wish tree.

Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Celebrate the magic of birthdays with a whimsical animal crew and joyful traditions.

Like the Moon Loves the Sky

Ages 3–5 · 2020

A mother's wishes for her children unfold in a tender bedtime tale.

Wishes

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young girl faces a life-changing journey across the sea in search of a new home.

Perfectly Pegasus

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A pegasus seeks a fallen star to wish for friends, discovering unexpected companionship.

The Maggie B.

Ages 4–8 · 1975

A girl's dream voyage on her namesake boat becomes reality. Who joins her?

Rabbit Moon

Ages 3–5 · 2018

A lonely rabbit grants wishes, finds friendship, but risks losing the stars.

Clara's Crazy Curls
Sale price
$695

Clara's Crazy Curls

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A wish for the tallest hair leads to unexpected challenges.

Liplap's Wish

Ages 5–6 · 1994

A young bunny finds comfort in a legend after losing his grandmother during the first snowfall.

Something Extraordinary

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Discover the extraordinary in the ordinary all around you.

Browse by age

Wishes Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about wishes for developing and independent readers.

A Comb of Wishes

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl finds a magical comb, sparking a dangerous wish with a vengeful mermaid.

Eden's Wish
Sale price
$799

Eden's Wish

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A genie escapes her lamp, facing a world of hidden dangers and ancient conflicts.

Billy Miller Makes a Wish

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A young boy navigates the challenges of growing up and understanding the world around him.

The Secret of Lillian Velvet

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A lonely girl, magical coins, and a web of danger. What secrets will Lillian Velvet uncover?

Sardines
Sale price
$1699

Sardines

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A grieving boy finds hope and secrets in unexpected friendships.

Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$2099

Star Knights

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A frog's quest to become a knight leads to a magical adventure.

Hummingbird

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl seeks a magical bird to grant her deepest wish, defying her brittle bone disease.

Book Two

Ages 7–10 · 2015

Chaos erupts as Bunny and Monkey clash in a wild forest showdown with lasers and gadgets.

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Ages 7–9 · 2012

A young girl navigates the challenges of childhood, including friendship, family, and growing up, while also learning about the power of imagination and the importance of believing in oneself.

Heidi Heckelbeck Makes a Wish

Ages 7–9 · 2016

A wish strips Heidi of her magic. Can she solve problems without spells?

The Collectors

Ages 8–12 · 2018

A boy discovers a secret society collecting wishes, but not all wishes are harmless.

Piper's Perfect Dream

Ages 8–11 · 2016

Piper races against time to uncover a hidden wish on Wishworld.

Keep exploring
Books about coping with deathBooks about consequencesBooks about family lifeBooks about foster careBooks about geniesBooks about imagination and playBooks about magicBooks about memory

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo