The Party Wish (Wish Sisters #1)

Allison Rushby (text) and Karen Blair (illustrator), The Party Wish (The Wish Sisters #1), University of Queensland Press, February 2023, 96 pp., RRP $12.99 (obk), ISBN 9780702265921 

The Party Wish is the first book in a new series for beginner readers, written by Allison Rushby who is highly acclaimed for her middle grade and YA novels. Its illustrations, scattered through the text, by Karen Blair who is well known for her several successful picture books. 

The storyline is about a baby, named Birdie, who can make wishes come true by just wishing them, giving rise to enthralling scenarios but also creating difficulties for her responsible big sister, Flick. This short 96 page book has packed in many imaginary and engaging elements. There’s the magical appearance of a dreamlike unicorn birthday party, complete with a rainbow slide made of sour straps, a cake made of clouds and a marshmallow pit. There’s also plenty of plot tension and several interesting characters including an impudent, trouble making imp, a beautiful, magical unicorn that poops cupcakes, some helpful, kind friends and a nosy, interfering neighbour. 

Blair’s black and white drawings of the characters, with bright eyed, animated facial expressions, within the magical birthday party scene, further develop the characters and add to the playful, upbeat tone of the book. 

I recommend this book for 6-8 year olds who enjoy stories of family and friends, with an element of magical realism. Having large print, plenty of dialogue and just a few paragraphs per page, makes it suitable for beginner readers who are building their reading confidence.  

Reviewed by Barbara Swartz 

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