It is technically a fantasy novel since it features talking animals and trees, but it’s a really grounded fantasy that feels incredibly relatable. The fun characters and dialogue make it incredibly engaging, so that when the heavier themes come up they’re easier for younger readers to understand and digest. I should have known that if anyone could pull this off, it would be Katherine Applegate! I read and loved The One And Only Ivan last year and was apprehensive about it for the same reasons, but it was fantastic as well. However, it ended up being so charming and perfect, and the story itself had a lot more depth than I was expecting. I was a little apprehensive going into it because I’m not usually a fan of talking animals in books. Overall Thoughts: I loved this book so much! A lot more than I thought I would. And if all you hear is the whisper of leaves, don’t worry. “Days have a way of slipping past like raindrops in a river.” You can’t help but fall in love with all of the characters. “Besides, the more you listen, the more you learn.”Įmotional Investment: High. The short chapters and engaging story make it difficult to put down. “Making others feel safe is a fine way to spend your days.”

The dialogue is fantastic and I loved the animal naming system. It’s not overly complex with lots of context clues for vocabulary support. Writing Style: The writing style is poetic and even whimsical at times. “Hollows are proof that something bad can become something good with enough time and care and hope.”

There’s one flashback scene in which the pacing kind of slows down, but otherwise the pacing is great. I think this makes it more accessible and engaging for younger readers. It was a fun story with talking animals/trees juxtaposed with complex human issues. “It is a great gift indeed to love who you are.” I felt that this story was more focused on plot and theme, which was great and just what the story needed! There was some growth, but overall we don’t get to see too much development throughout the story. Like the best kind of garden.”Ĭharacter Development: The characters in this story were so strong and vibrant. That’s our neighborhood: wild and tangled and colorful. “Different languages, different food, different customs. And Samar, every spring night, reminded me there is beauty in stillness and grace in acceptance.Īnd that you’re never too old to be surprised.” Nature is not always pretty or fair or kind.īut sometimes surprises happen. “Animals compete for resources, just like humans. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red’s experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red’s hollows, this “wishtree” watches over the neighborhood. Red is the neighborhood “wishtree”-people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red’s branches. Red is an oak tree who is many rings old.

Trees can’t tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories.

Book wishtree