Today's Sparkler

Working for CLCD and Children's Literature means I use the database a lot. I mean, a LOT a lot. One aspect of my job is to maintain what we call "Select Books" data; which includes all the awards and honors, best book lists, state reading lists, curriculum tools, etc. I edit it, add new listings, and generally just make sure we are giving you the most comprehensive and accurate information possible.

In doing this, I come across a lot of good books that may have fallen off my radar or I discover books that may have several honors but that I am unfamiliar with. Compiling Select Books data is detective work and so I thought I would start sharing gems I discover with you—a review selected from the over 400,000 reviews and 2 million MARC records found in CLCD.

The first "Sparkler" is a title I found this week while updating a Best Book list: Smithsonian Notable Children's Books. The review, found in the database, is by Leta Tillman and appeared in The Lorgnette.

Make A Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World

Roseanne Thong

Illustrated by Elisa Kleven

        "Making wishes is something that we learn as children but continue through our adult life. Did you ever think about all the different ways that wishes are made around the world? Tong gives readers 15 different traditions from 15 different countries. Each one is different, but each one is a way for readers to wish for something better. The Guatemalan children fly giant kites that carry wishes up to the gods in the sky for those who have died. Japanese children write their wishes on narrow strips of colored paper and tie them on bamboo branches while Russian children put lucky coins in their left shoe. In Ireland, children blow dandelion fluffs to make their wishes, and here in the United States, we blow out candles on our birthday cakes. Kleven’s bright-colored illustrations almost sparkle with excitement. Children of countries around the world are shown having exhilarating occasions believing their wishes will come true. Children will enjoy hearing about or reading about the different cultural events surrounding each wish. A more detailed explanation of each festival is given at the end of the book. But the most exciting part of the book is at the end when Tong asks the readers to share their wishing traditions with her. She even includes her website to contact her with additional ways to wish. This will make a great read-aloud book and also a good addition to any collection."

2008, Chronicle Books, $16.99. Ages 5 to 10.
Reviewer: Leta Tillman (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 21, No. 3)).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog Supplement to Nineteenth Edition, 2009; H. W. Wilson Company
Smithsonian Notable Book for Children, 2008; Smithsonian Magazine ISBN: 9780811857161


Emily Griffin