Rating: 3 stars
Headline: The Wish That Saved Christmas is a likeable book that needed a bit more editing in places
Review:
The Wish That Saved Christmas is a children’s story penned by London-based debut author Kate Harvey. Set in the fictional town of Hope’s End, the story starts in the run-up to Christmas day, where many of the residents have been struck by a mystery illness. One of the sickness-stricken residents includes the dad of protagonist Emma, leaving her and her mother Sara scrambling to find the rent money or else risk eviction and relocation to the significantly less likeable town of Pewksbury. In desperation, Emma takes her her toy doll Nell to the town’s central Christmas tree and makes a wish. Little does anyone in the sleepy town realise that Emma’s plea is about to unlock a whole lot of magic, magic which may well save the town from more than just one eviction…
This is a fun story to read, full of lovely flowing descriptions and energetic dialogue that is bound to captivate younger readers as they progress through the story to the thrilling climax. The illustrations at the top of each chapter are also a nice touch which helps to hint at what adventure awaits in the chapter yet to come.
With The Wish That Saved Christmas it is the page length that forms the biggest stumbling block for me. At 164 pages of average-sized font feels is a bit too content-heavy for the intended seven to ten age readership, and at points it results in the pacing feeling a bit off. While nicely written, the additional storylines did not always progress the story line quite as timely as it could have done.
Another element that feels a bit off is the book’s starting point and early scene setting. Given so much is said through inter-character dialogue on the attractiveness of Hope’s End, it feels difficult to visualise the appeal as a reader. A few more descriptive paragraphs in the first couple of pages would have helped a great deal with solidifying the charm of Hope’s End and raising the odds of what the family would lose should they move to the neighbouring town of Pewksbury.
The Wish That Saved Christmas is a likeable book for advanced readers within the primary / elementary school bracket or as a bedtime read for parents and children to fully appreciate the charm this book has to offer.
AEB Reviews
Links:
Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “The Wish That Saved Christmas” by Kate A Harvey
Purchase Link: “The Wish That Saved Christmas” by Kate A Harvey (Amazon)
Author Website: Therapy Toolbox
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