TROUBLE WITH WISHES, THE

Childhood Education, Summer 2008 by Szymusiak, Jessica B

Stanley, Diane THE TROUBLE WITH WISHES. Il. by author. ISBN 0-06-055451-7. New York: HarperCollins, 2007. 32 pp. $16.99. After working nonstop for days, Pyg has finally carved his marble masterpiece: a beautiful, perfect goddess. Full of adoration for the stone sculpture, Pyg wishes that the goddess could be real. Soon, his dreams come true! His goddess comes to life, but she is not as perfect as he had hoped. Her cold, heartless, self-centered attitude leaves Pyg wondering if his wish was even answered at all. Meanwhile, Pyg's apprentice, Jane, decides to carve her own living masterpiece, which is loyal, friendly, and happy. In the end, both Pyg and Jane learn what "perfect" really means and that they should be careful when wishing. Based on the Greek myth of Pygmalion, this book puts an innovative, modern twist on an ancient tale. Besides rewriting and illustrating myths, Diane Stanley also adapts fairytales. Some of her work includes creative reimaginations of The Giant and the Beanstalk and Rumpelstiltskin's Daughter. Ages 5-8. Reviewed by Jessica B. Szymusiak, Nanty Glo, PA

Reviewed by Jessica B. Szymusiak, Nanty Glo, PA