Wishes and Wellingtons
by Julie Berry
Read if you're interested in children's stories, good vs evil, or books for child.
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8.5
VerdictRecommended
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Book Summary
Maeve Merritt, a young girl serving as a scullery maid, discovers a foul-mouthed, wish-granting, talking sardine in the larder. This magical sardine, known as a 'Wellington', leads Maeve and her friends on a whimsical, often chaotic, adventure through Victorian London as they try to keep its powers secret and navigate the consequences of its ill-phrased wishes.
ALIGNMYREAD RECOMMENDATION
“Recommended for Christian readers, especially children and young adults, who enjoy whimsical fantasy. Parents may wish to discuss the nature of 'wishes' versus prayer, and the idea that true joy comes from God and good character, not magic. The mild language of the sardine should be noted, though it is generally tame by modern standards and serves a humorous purpose.”
Biblical alignment
- —Promotes themes of friendship, loyalty, and teamwork among the children.
- —Highlights the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
- —Showcases a protagonist (Maeve) with a good heart who cares for others despite her difficult circumstances.
- —Explores the idea that true happiness doesn't come from wishes but from genuine relationships and effort.
- —The magical elements are generally whimsical and not deeply spiritual, focusing more on playful fantasy and consequences of choices.
- —Encourages imaginative play and creative problem-solving.
Areas of concern
- —The sardine 'Wellington' uses mildly uncouth language (e.g., 'blast it', 'confound it', 'blithering' – though not overtly profane in a modern sense, it is described as 'foul-mouthed' within the context of the book and its Victorian setting).
- —Reliance on magical wishes as a plot device could be seen as diverging from a Christian worldview that emphasizes prayer and divine provision, though the story often shows the wishes creating more problems than solutions.
- —Some fantastical creatures and magical occurrences are central to the plot, which might not align with all Christian perspectives on fantasy literature.
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