Red thinks he has seen everything but when a new family moves in, Red is needed even more than ever before. This book is bound to be loved by nature lovers and readers who enjoy tales with a folk vibe, too. It is an enjoyable read and the lesson of humility cannot be lost. Katherine Applegate is so talented at giving relatable characteristics to her non-human protagonists, and, in doing so, provides a safe place to explore moralistic values such as tolerance versus intolerance, kindness, friendship, and hope. Wishtree speaks right to the heart with it’s fluid storyline that engages readers and opens minds to current and ongoing prejudicial issues. A battle of acceptance, friendship, and a duty to care for nature comes to pass. Police become involved and it is determined by the landlady, whose family owns the property where Red is rooted, that trees are troublemakers and Red must go. When Samar’s family is not accepted by fellow neighbors and a boy goes as far as etching the word “LEAVE” firmly into Red’s bark, trouble ensues. The newest family to reside in Red’s neighborhood are Muslim, and 10-year-old Samar visits the tree nightly and forms an unspoken bond with the tree and the animals. Together they philosophize, while also honoring the rule of not talking to people. Red is a “wishtree.” Each year, on the first day of May, people come to tie wishes onto his limbs using rags, ribbons, paper, and even “the occasional gym sock.” He is also home to many neighborhood animals, including owlets, possums, raccoons, skunks, and his best friend Bongo the Crow.

“Trees can’t tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories. Written by the award-winning author of The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate, Wishtree is an inspiring tale of kindness and tolerance told from the perspective of a wise, old red oak tree (216 rings old). What to expect: Kindness, Friendship, Hope, Tolerance, Nature The Children’s Book Review | FebruWishtree

Wishtree applegate