The Wishing Tree

By Roseanne Greenfield Thong, Connie McLennan
Paperback: $11.95

When Ming and his grandmother visit the wishing tree on the Lunar New Year, his wishes always seem to come true. But one year the tree does not help, and Ming alone must make peace with the loss of his grandmother and the spirit of the tree.

Description

An enormous banyan tree with thick, leafy branches grew in the center of a village near an ancient temple in a green valley with a gurgling stream.

Every Lunar New Year, Ming and his grandmother visit the Wishing Tree. Its branches are covered with wishes, each written on red and yellow paper fluttering in the breeze, secured by the weight of an orange.

Grandmother warned Ming to wish carefully, and sure enough, his wishes always seemed to come true. But one year when Ming makes the most important wish of his life, the tree lets him down.

The Wishing Tree is about the excitement of making wishes and waiting for them to come true. It is also about the love between a boy and his grandmother, and the realization that sometimes, we already possess the most important things in life.

About the Creators

Roseanne Greenfield Thong
Roseanne Greenfield Thong

Roseanne Greenfield Thong was born in Southern California where she currently works as a teacher, editor, and educational consultant. She lived in Asia for twenty years where she studied Mandarin, taught English, and visited the Wishing Tree regularly with her family. Roseanne has authored more than fifteen award-winning children's books, including Round is a Mooncake, Red is a Chili Pepper, and One is a Piñata. One of Roseanne's wishes is for her readers to visit her website, Greenfield-Thong.com, to learn more about the Wishing Tree's history and traditions!

Connie McLennan

Connie McLennan is a freelance illustrator, author, and fine artist whose work has appeared in numerous advertisements, publications, and textbooks. After earning a degree in journalism, she studied at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. Connie grew up in Northern California and works at her home studio in Rocklin, California. Visit her online at conniemclennan.com.

Reviews

  • "The lessons and observations in The Wishing Tree are ageless, and the book offers many opportunities for discussion."

    - School Library Journal
  • "Sentimental without being saccharine, it illustrates how traditions can help us voice our deepest wishes and emotions, and its vibrant acrylic paintings of the glorious tree abloom with wishes and fruit, which will show well to a crowd of young listeners, extend the tale's reassuring sense of hope."

    - Booklist

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781643795898
  • Price $11.95
  • Publication Date Mar 21, 2006
  • Trim Size 10 × 7.75 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781885008268
  • Price $16.95
  • Publication Date Mar 21, 2006
  • Trim Size 10.25 × 8.25 in
  • Weight 0.875 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Imprint Shen's Books
  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Fantasy & Magic
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Social Themes / Death, Grief, Bereavement
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / People & Places / Asia
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Coping with Death, Cultural Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Fiction, Grandparents, Holidays / Traditions, Overcoming Obstacles, Realistic Fiction
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading O
  • ATOS Book Level 4.7
  • DRA 34
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

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