I Wish by Christoph Niemann
Published by Greenwillow Books on October 11, 2022
ISBN: 0063219794
Pages: 80
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

A wordless picture book about anticipation in an age of instant gratification. The simple line drawings tell the story of a little girl who is fascinated by a gift-wrapped mystery. The drawings are black and white, with only the gift in color, drawing the eye (and the little girl) to the object. She goes through a range of emotions as she gets to the final layer of gift wrap. With the gift still wrapped, she is allowed to imagine whatever she wishes onto the object as it changes shapes and transports her far and wide.

The illustrations are charming, reminiscent of This is Not a Box by Portis. At this time of year, when wrapped gifts and their contents are everyone’s focus, this is a fun exploration of “the wait.”

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Librarian, Saco