Wish

An elephant couple is content just being together: living by the sea, traveling, and enjoying their closeness. In the back of their minds is the tiny glimmer of a desire for a child, but the two want to share other experiences before having a baby. Once they decide to expand their family, things do not go as planned and they become discouraged as their longed-for child remains a dream. Softly hued watercolor, pen, and ink illustrations are sweet, revealing the cheerfulness of the couple that slowly turns to disappointment and then resignation. Dreams/wishes/prayers are shown in colorful confettilike swirls that diminish in size as their hopes continue to remain unfulfilled and then explode like a sunburst at the satisfying conclusion, showing a baby elephant arriving via boat to the couple after a tumultous storm. The open-ended nature of the text and illustrations make this picture book useful as a general parent-child read-aloud or as a gentle entree into the subject of adoption. VERDICT The heartache and delight revealed in this charming tale will resonate with parents who have experienced similar circumstances.—Maryann H. Owen, Children’s Literature Specialist, Mt. Pleasant, WI

“This deceptively simple picture book packs an emotional wallop. […] Readers of all ages will appreciate the combined messages of affirmation, hope, and reassurance.“―Booklist

“Cordell’s […] intensely personal account of parents awaiting the arrival of a child bubbles over with anticipatory joy.“―Publishers Weekly