Cover Image: Wishweaver

Wishweaver

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Member Reviews

This is a really cute book about a spider that grants wishes. I don't like spiders but I really enjoyed this book.

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“The fault lies with the wisher, not the weaver.”

A brilliant book for children, and one I recommend for all ages, really.

A spider named Whimsy embarks on a journey to find what happened to the Wishweaver, another spider that used to grant wishes – but no more. Together with a milkweed wisp and a roly-poly, she will face dangers and her own fears, helping all sorts of animals along the way. And she will learn what it truly means to be a weaver of wishes.

This was such a beautiful and wholesome story. The dialogues, the pace, the pictures. It was so perfectly laid out on each page that I honestly have no complaints.

This is simply a must-read, no matter how old the reader is. It has tons to teach us, really, and so many fascinating things to see and experience between its lines.

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***

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✨ This is a middle grade I read to my kids as they went to sleep every night. It’s full of beautiful pictures that kept them staring at my phone and pointing out all the little details. The story itself was amazing. Make a wish upon a wisp and it’s granted. Suddenly wishes are left unanswered. We follow a spider named Whimsy who thinks less of herself because she doesn’t prefer heights like the other spiders. But why be like everyone else? Whimsy is special. She’s going on a mission with a little wisp named Flit to find the Wishweaver Tree which housed the Wishweaver spider, Whisper. She wants to find out why the wishes are not coming true. Discovering the true purpose of her own life is an added magical bonus. This book makes you really think about what you wish for. Think it through all the way to the end. What consequences are there? Is it worth wishing for? Wishweaver is a little mature for my kids (5 years, 4 years, 3 years and 6 months) but they love to hear me read and my toddlers understood most of it just fine. This book gets 5 stars from me as well as “a hundred forty eight ten” from my 4 year old. I hope to one day get my hands on a physical copy of this book because it is definitely one I want to read to my kids again. ✨

✨ Thank you so much NetGalley and Corgi Bits for the opportunity to read this ARC. ✨

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Whimsy and her friend Flit, the wisp, set out on a quest to find out what had happened to the Wishweaver, a spider who granted wishes for the residents of Weyburn. On this journey, they meet animals who regretted their frivolous wishes and learn the story of why the Wishwever stopped granting wishes. I thought that this story was imaginative and taught a wonderful lesson about being careful what you wish for. It also showcased that generosity was more meaningful than selfish wishing. With the meaning behind the story, this would make for a good read-aloud book for a multi-part storytime that could help to facilitate a discussion on generosity. While I enjoyed the meaning behind the story, there were times that I did not understand the meandering plots and host of characters that Whimsy met. (Spoiler Alert) The characters I did not understand the most were the mean spiders who threw Whimsy over the edge of the waterfall. Their motive for throwing Whimsy made no sense to me and it would have been nice to see some motive for her being thrown over a waterfall, other than to get her to the cottage (Spoiler Alert End). I would have rather read deeper into the backgrounds of a few characters than to sample the stories of so many characters. Overall this is a good story that teaches a good message; however, the plot does meander at times in ways that do not always make sense.

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A big thank you to NetGalley and Incognito Publishing Press/ Corgi Bits Imprint for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a children's chapter book. I found the graphics although black and white to be lovely. The story is interesting and unique. Really fun to read. 4 stars

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I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. A mystery for middle school ages kids.

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Whimsy had one of the most amazing journeys on the way to pay her first visit the Wishweaver’s tree. On her way, she met new friends and help others out of some unusual circumstances. Her kindness was never too much to show to others, she was selfless when others were in need. Unknowing to her, she was on the path of becoming, something great, which in itself would be an honor. She needed to be very careful or she could end up like the first weaver. A fun quirky tale with a very kind and special spider, Whimsy, who without her knowing it, was on the way of becoming the next Wishweaver.

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Grade 2-4. In her new book for young readers, author J.H. Winter spins a creative and fantastical tale about friendship and responsibility. The make believe forest of Weyburn has long been home to a wishweaver, a magical creature imbued with the power to grant wishes. One day the wishes cease to be granted, and years pass. A spider named Wimsey sets off on an adventure to find out why, and to learn more about the mysterious creature whose lore continues to haunt the forest’s inhabitants. Along the way, she meets a lively cast of characters: a buffalo, frog, rolly polly, owl, porcupine, beaver, and crocodile. As she nears the home of the wishweaver, she learns that granted wishes aren’t always rosy, and as the adage goes, “to be careful what you wish for.” Large black and white images accompany the text, helping bring Winter’s universe to life. The illustration style is whimsical and particularly cute, infusing the story with a cheerfulness that will delight adult and child readers alike. While Whimsey’s journey is a bit circuitous at times, with many side characters whose purpose isn’t always clear, “Wishweaver” is a unique take on the “genie in a bottle” storyline that highlights the value of community and making good decisions that support others. Weyburn is an immersive and rich backdrop that would lend itself well to a sequel. The instructions to crochet Whimsey make for a fun addition, likely to be enjoyed by crafty readers.

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A fun and great book for kids! Filled with magical stories and gorgeous illustrations, this is a great read for kids. I had a lot of fun reading it and definitely enjoyed it!

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I was intrigued by the summary. It began really cute. These two large bully spiders entered the story. The part where one of the owls got injured, jolted me. I didn't care for that.

Having a spider that was scared of heights was hilarious!! I loved how the main characters got along.

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Wishweaver is a magical and whimsical adventure! The world in which whimsy and her friends live in is enchanted and beautiful. I felt as if I was traveling with Whimsy and flit as they searched for answers to the many questions they had about Weyburn. The illustrations are absolutely adorable! As a crocheter, I love that there is a pattern for Whimsy and flit. I am excited to create them for my baby girl!

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I received this ebook in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I absolutely loved this book! It was so whimsical and fun. The world building was exquisite and oh my the characters! I felt as though I was traveling with Whimsy as she searched for answers.

I will be purchasing this book as soon as it is available to read to my students! The illustrations were wonderful and helped me feel like the story was alive.

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This is a lovely little book. Although it was a little advanced for my 5 year old grandson, the illustrations helped keep his interest while we read the story. I look forward to purchasing the actual book so we can read it again.

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Let me preface my review by saying this litle book includes a pattern for you to create your very own Whimsy!!! How flipping cute is that?! I simply adore this little spider!

It's a quick, easy read and I enjoyed the story and its lovely illustrations ( which were also done by the author!). It is a chapter book but it is still loaded with these beautiful drawings which make it a great book for a young reader who is just starting to switch to chapter books.

The story is simple but it packs a big punch as far as lessons go. It teaches us to value things and not take them for granted. It also stresses the importance of being more selfless, more community centered and overall a better person ( or spider, creature, whatever :) ) .

Between the talking animals and magic young readers will be whipped into a whimsical world of adventure. And I am positive they will fall in love with Whimsy, a tiny little orbweaver who is full-hearted and determined.

I recieved a digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Wish granting spider was something the kid I babysit really loved listening/reading. This was such an adorable story and I feel like will be much suited for many little children.

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Love this book, and more importantly, my daughter loved it as well! A magic spider that grants wishes had her intrigued from the start, and I loved the element of mystery, which seems so rare in picture books. Check it out!!!

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Wishweaver was such a cute book! The child that I nanny for absolutely loved it. I will be the first to admit that I don't generally like spiders (eek), but the illustrations made the spider in the story look so cute! Would definitely recommend to children just getting into chapter books.

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What a magical tale J.H. Winter has spun in “Wishweaver.” This is the perfect children’s chapter book that shows children the value of working with each other, the importance of believing in yourself, being okay with not quite fitting in, and surrounding yourself with people who respect and value you or who you are.

Whimsy and Flit go on a search for the Wishweaver, who went missing after the wishes the animals were requesting became so selfish that they ended up hurting the animals themselves. Along the way, Whimsy and Flit meet many helpful animals who assist them in finding the Wishweaver tree. It’s a very sweet, creative testament to youth, friendship, and what we’re capable of when we work together and see our own capabilities.

I think elementary children will be immediately immersed in and taken by the enchanted world of Whimsy and the Wishweaver, and the messages it sends are really important. I’m grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for sending this advance copy!

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The first part of the story seems interesting as it told an important lesson that when you abuse something that's so useful for you, it disappears. I really like that part but as I continue reading, I lost interest where I dropped it and looked for other books to read. Some may like this story but maybe, it's just not my cup of tea.

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Whimsy is a darling orb spider with questions. Throughout all the known years in Weyburn, there has been a Wishweaver. A Wishweaver in their own forest community - where wishes were made and granted, usually on behalf of others, mostly. Then one sad day everyone got overexcited at the prospect of getting exactly what they wanted, and were selfish, wishing only to satisfy their wants. The Wishweaver, discouraged, hasn't been seen since. She's probably . . . dead. Or is she? Would such a position be left abandoned?

This is a chapterbook with large page pictures splashed throughout, and the illustrations are charming. The story promotes community members that care for each other, mourn with each other, are generous with snacks, and go on journeys to find lost members. Differences are tolerated and understood, fears are acknowledged and present, and the best way to get through them is to . . .well, get through them. March right through your fears. Know you need help and accept it when it comes, and if you have questions ask, and look for answers if they don't appear. And when special moments happen - celebrate and participate. Own who you are!

A lovely children's book. I'm going to read it to my littles/bigs soon! The advance copy is black and white - I look forward to getting a color copy!

4 stars. 5 when it's got color on it!

A sincere thank you to J. H. Winter, Incorgnito Publishing Press - Corgi Bits Imprint, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.

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