View source for Wishker by Heather Pindar and Sarah Jennings

{{infobox2
|title=Wishker
|author=Heather Pindar and Sarah Jennings
|reviewer= Anne Thompson
|genre=For Sharing
|summary= This picture book, whilst still being entertaining and fun to share, is perfect for highlighting that it may not always be a good idea to be given absolutely everything that you want. Great for cat-lovers too!
|rating=4
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|pages=32
|publisher=Maverick Arts Publishing
|date=May 2017
|isbn= 978-1848862449
|website= http://sarahscribblesillustration.tumblr.com/
|video= hKTxbQ-GnIY
|aznuk=184886244X
|aznus=184886244X
|cover=184886244X
}}
 
Mirabel is a small girl who wants rather a lot from life and is sadly frustrated when everyone says no to her. Then a stray cat appears in her garden. He's a rather special cat with wish-granting whiskers. All Mirabel's problems will be instantly solved. Or so she thinks…

When Wishker, the ''rufty-tufty magic cat'' grants Mirabel three wishes she knows exactly what she wants. Soon she is enjoying pets of all types courtesy of the zoo, ice-cream for breakfast, lunch and tea and much more besides. Unfortunately the results of this freedom are not exactly what Mirabel expected. It is rather a squash in the small house and the mess is too much, even for Mirabel. Wishker tells her that she has one wish left and she knows exactly what to do with it. The ending is great and would promote discussion with slightly older children too.

From its appealing cover onwards this story has a charm that will engage very young children quickly. The illustrations are lovely; busy with plenty to look at and recognise yet clear and vibrant too. Parents will be quick to recognise the manner and type of requests that Mirabel constantly makes such as sleepovers for ''all my friends'' and pleas for unsuitable pets. The subliminal message that being granted all that you want may not always be the best option is conveyed well and appropriately for the target audience. This is both clever and fun. A lovely picture book.

Thank you to the publishers for supplying this review copy.

Cats feature in picture books often but of course the ultimate picture book cat is [[Mog the Forgetful Cat by Judith Kerr]]. Little children may also enjoy [[My Cat Just Sleeps by Joanne Partis]].

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[[Category:Heather Pindar]]
[[Category:Sarah Jennings]]