The Wish Giver: Three Tales of Coven Tree

Bill Brittain

The Wish Giver: Three Tales of Coven Tree

Bill Brittain
38 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 1983

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Book Brief

Bill Brittain

The Wish Giver

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1983
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Children`s Literature

Horror & Suspense
Setting

New England • Early 1900s

Theme
Friendship

Self Discovery

Community
Publication Year

1983

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

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Super Short Summary

The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain follows three young individuals in Coven Tree who each receive a wish card from a mysterious man. Their wishes lead to unexpected outcomes in the stories "Jug-a-Rum," "The Tree Man," and "Water, Water Everywhere," teaching valuable lessons about caution and understanding the implications of their desires.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Contemplative

Suspenseful

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.9

3,303 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain is praised for its engaging storytelling and moral lessons. Readers appreciate its imaginative plot and relatable characters. The book effectively explores themes of desire and consequence. However, some critics feel the story is predictable. Overall, it remains a delightful read for young audiences, blending humor with wisdom.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Wish Giver?

A reader who enjoys The Wish Giver by Bill Brittain likely appreciates whimsical, moral-driven tales with a touch of magic and humor, akin to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl. They enjoy stories with life lessons, quirky characters, and enchanting settings tailored for middle-grade audiences.

3.9

3,303 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

A mysterious traveling showman who offers wishes for 50 cents in Coven Tree, using his charm to draw in those curious enough to hear him out.

An outspoken 11-year-old girl who struggles with speaking without thinking, leading to social challenges in her community.

A 15-year-old with romantic fantasies, captivated by a smooth-talking salesman and overlooking the genuine kindness of others.

A hardworking 16-year-old dealing with the challenges of operating his family’s dry farm, driven to wish for an easier life.

The narrator and owner of the Coven Tree General Store, known for his practical and observant nature.

A dependable and hardworking 17-year-old farmhand who contrasts with more superficial characters through his honesty.

A charming traveling salesman known for his fabricated tales and manipulation, particularly towards Rowena.

Shy but loyal friends of Polly, known for their deep connection to nature and unwavering support of Polly.

The wealthiest and most popular girls in the village, known for their snobbery and the superficial nature of their social circle.

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Fantasy

Children`s Literature

Horror & Suspense
Setting

New England • Early 1900s

Theme
Friendship

Self Discovery

Community
Publication Year

1983

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

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