It has been said that we should appreciate what we have instead of wishing for more. There are many versions of this. Sometimes we spend time wishing for something instead of realizing how great what we have is. Today we are sharing a picture book about a young girl wishing for things but realizing how special her life is with what she has. The book is Emilia Wishing by Belen Medina and illustrated by Magdalena Mora. It is recommended for ages 4 to 8.
About the Book:
In this poignant picture book, Emilia wishes for all the things she doesn't have, including her own bed, a new car, and nicer clothes. But as she discovers through her mom’s sacrifices, Emilia already has what she needs.Emilia wakes up with hot breath in her face and a sharp knee poking her from behind, wishing she had her own bed. Emilia looks out from the back seat of her old car at her neighborhood, wishing she lived on a tree-lined street in a big house with a swimming pool. And when she gets to the rundown strip mall where the thrift shop is—and not the fancy mall across the street—she models clothes for her Mama and sisters, wishing they could all be hers. But money is tight, and Mama works hard, and so she must wait. And when the day finally comes when they can make the last payment on layaway, Emilia realizes that the clothes don’t matter—her Mama’s love and joy and radiance is what does.
Emilia Wishing is a beautiful tale of gratitude, family bonds, and the realization that true wealth lies in the love and sacrifices of those around us.
From Me:
Emilia wishes she had her own bed and her family had a newer car and shopped at the big mall across town instead of the big box store. She wishes she could get more new clothes and not have to wait for the ones her mother agrees to buy on layaway. She also wishes her mother didn't have to work so much or so hard. The day their layaway is paid off and they get to bring the new clothes home is a special day. Emilia realizes that new clothes don't matter, but her mother's love and joy do. It is truly a story about appreciating what you have and not wishing for more all the time.
It is obvious in this book that Emilia's family is not wealthy. They are living in a poor area in an overcrowded apartment. They are definitely not white in the illustrations, so it is a diverse book. However the overall message about appreciating what you have like a loving family and joy are the most important things in life. It is a lovely book that shares the saying in a way kids may be able to relate to their own lives. It is a wonderful story about appreciation and family.
