WISHES by Muon Thi Van & Victo Ngai

AUTHOR:  Muon Thi Van

ILLUSTRATOR: Victo Ngai

 

A poetic journey of hope and resilience, WISHES by Muon Thi Van, illustrated by Victo Ngai, is a poignant picture book that captures the emotional journey of a Vietnamese family's escape to a new life. 

Inspired by the author's own experiences, the story is told through the eyes of a young girl, highlighting the universal themes of migration, family, and the longing for safety.  The narrative employs a unique perspective, anthropomorphising inanimate objects to express the family's emotions. For instance, "The bag wished it was deeper," and "The clock wished it was slower," conveying the weight of their journey and the passage of time. 

This innovative storytelling approach adds depth and empathy to the narrative, making it accessible for young readers, and Victo Ngai's illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking, with intricate details and a colour palette that evokes the story's emotional landscape. The artwork complements the text beautifully, enhancing the reader's connection to the family's experience.

Wishes is a must-have for every school and child's bookshelf, offering a gentle yet powerful introduction to the realities of displacement and the strength of the human spirit.

 

Hardcover

Language:  English
Print length:  40 pages
Dimensions:  25.1 x 1.07 x 24.92 cm

ISBN:  978-1338305890
Publisher:  Scholastic
Publication date:  01 July 2021