Wesley's Birthday Wish

Wesley’s Birthday Wish by Bruce Arrington is the story of a little boy’s adventures on his seventh birthday. He lives in a mythical world named Erastus, where birthday wishes come true, and seven is a significant year. He has been waiting three years, which seems very long to him, to open the magic door to his unique adventure. At last, he enters yet another make-believe world, populated by flying horses, one of whom offers him her friendship and a ride. He flies with the horses, enjoying the beauty of freedom of the skies until they land in an unhappy place. Here, Wesley meets another of his kind, who has made a terrible mistake that is in Wesley’s power to correct – if he has the will.

I enjoyed reading Wesley’s Birthday Wish, as I’m sure many younger readers will. What seven-year-old would not be enthralled? The writing is clear, and Bruce Arrington doesn’t talk down to children: a first or second grader should have no difficulty following his dialogue and plot. His moral lesson is also gently blended in, never preaching. The world in which Wesley and his affectionate, understanding mother live is fascinating. I would certainly love to learn more about Erastus and explore that wonderful castle they call home. Wesley’s Birthday Wish is a book a young reader can enjoy and revisit whenever their spirits need a lift. --Reviewed by Francis Mont, Reader's Favorite

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