The Wishing Ball

As always, Elisa Kleven's energetic tale and illustrations leap off the page and into the readers' minds and hearts. Readers can identify with the stray cat's yearning for a better life. Readers can identify with the crocodile's dreams for an extraordinary companion who offers a different perspective on existence and experience. Readers can identify with the naughty, manipulative crow who deceives and plays tricks. The Wishing Ball is a wonderful story that speaks to the very deepest, most intimate places of our own human needs: safety, shelter, food, comfort, hope, belonging, friendship, beauty, knowledge, ownership, voice, desire, empathy, love, family, and happiness. So many universal themes are packed into this little book, and each theme makes a fantastic discussion point for class story hour, family time, bedtime, etc. Adult readers, especially those in the fields of education, wellness, and psychology, can even benefit from analyzing this enigmatic little tale because its underlying messages can be equated (in basic ways) to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: physiological needs, safety needs, belonging / social needs, self-esteem needs, growth needs, and self-actualization / purpose needs--one's striving to be or to do something of value. A useful lesson plan would be to ask students / readers to develop a Needs chart depicting elements from The Wishing Ball and then compare that chart to Maslow's theories. Ultimately, we ask the question: are people truly happy when all their needs have been met? The Wishing Ball is definitely a smart edition to any library--home, school, or otherwise.

My three year old daughter and I both love Elisa's books. The artwork is magical. The Wishing Ball is a beautiful piece of art and talented writing. Highly recommend it! She includes Ernst in this book too!

As a second grade teacher, I am now quite familiar with my students' enthusiastic requests for Elisa Kleven's writings. This latest, The Wishing Ball, at once captivates the attention of young listeners and adult readers alike. How will Nellie, a hungry stray cat, find the warmth of shelter and friendship for which she yearns? How will she out-wit the trickster crow who has convinced her that a slippery red ball is in fact a wish-granting star? Through Elisa Kleven's beautifully detailed and rich tapestry of illustrations, the natural world comes alive with unending possibilities. My students cheer for Nellie and her survivor instincts, as she meets adventure head-on. Ms. Kleven's generosity of spirtit has a mystical quality that my discerning readers crave. They are never short-changed or demeaned. The resolution, which involves the lovely Ernst, a young crocodile, leaves my students reassured and enriched through the loving and capable words and illustrations so consistently provided by Elisa Kleven. Bravo and thanks! Elena Nichols, 2nd grade teacher New York City

I love Elisa Kleven's books and this one is another winner! It's a sweet, sensitive story about making wishes and wanting them desperately to come true, something that will strike a chord with every child. Nellie, the main character, has the optimistic energy to believe in her wishes, to follow them until they come true. I love to read this book with my three children -- it's a great read-aloud, the art is rich and detailed, and the ending is sure to satisfy everyone.