Wishes for One More Day [Hardcover]

Melanie Joy Pastor (Author), Jacqui Grantford (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

A grandfather's death inspires his grandchildren to create a book of wishes in this sensitive portrayal of dealing with the loss of a loved one. When Anna and her little brother Joey hear the sad news about their Poppy's death, they begin to think about what they would do if they could have one more day with him. They smile thinking about Poppy’s crazy birthday hat, giggle at the silly songs Poppy used to plunk out on the piano, and laugh out loud at the weekly chicken-soup game they played with him at the deli. As the list grows into a pile, the pile becomes a book—a book of wishes for one more day with Poppy—or, as their mother explains, a memory book of the love and fun they shared with him, since all of their wishes have already come true. This treasured memento celebrates Poppy’s life and helps Anna and Joey keep his memory alive for years to come.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The gentle pastel watercolor pencil illustrations complement this tribute to a dearly loved grandfather. . . . Parents and caregivers will find this book very useful in helping children cope with the loss of a grandparent . . . and maybe find a bit of solace for themselves, as well."  —Children's Literature

"An excellent book that will resonate with many children who experience the death of someone they loved . . . addresses the unpredictable and varied range of emotions, the different perspectives of adult and child, and the idea of how memories can be comforting."  —Dr. Patti Homan, program director, PATHways Center for Grief & Loss

"A very strong addition to books available on loss, tenderly articulating the 'wishes' we all have."  —Ithaca Child

"A treat for the heart and soul."  —The Jewish Press

"This is a dear, sweet book that focuses on the issue of death without making it beyond the understanding of  5-9-year-olds."  —National Jewish Post & Opinion

"This [book] would be very helpful and comforting to use with children who have lost a grandparent or other loved one."  —Jewish Book World

"Covering a wide range of emotions, this celebration of Poppy’s life will help Anna and Joey keep his memory alive for years to come. . . . Jacqui Grantford's portrait-quality gouache and watercolor pencil illustrations are a fitting tribute to this reminder of the important things in life."   —MyShelf.com

About the Author

Melanie Joy Pastor is a kindergarten and elementary-school teacher active in the Kid Alert and Write Start programs. She lives in Tarzana, California. Jacqui Grantford is the author and illustrator of Shoes News and Various Faerious. She is the 2005 Dromkeen Grand Dragon for children's book illustration and the 2003 winner of the Salon des Refuses People’s Choice Award.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Flashlight Press (September 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972922571
• ISBN-13: 978-0972922579
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,119,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's the Little Things that Count, September 4, 2006

By 

Christine Louise Hohlbaum "award-winning auth... (near Munich, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wishes for One More Day (Hardcover)

The loss of a loved one is a hard experience for a person of any age. "Wishes for One More Day" helps young and old alike grapple with the loss of a loved one in a powerful and touching way.

Anna and Joey learn of their grandfather's passing one morning. The children and adults deal with their grief in very different, yet equally effective ways. Anna gets an idea to write down all the things she would love to have done with her Poppy one more time.

Both the mother's and children's perspective are well represented in the story, making the book great for all ages. I found myself tearing up at the beauty and simplicity of the children's idea. This book serves as a great reminder of how the simple things are often the most important.

Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author of SAHM I Am: Tales of a Stay-at-Home Mom in Europe, lives near Munich, Germany with her husband and two children. [..]

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wishes for One More Day, October 12, 2006

By 

Jewish Book World Magazine (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wishes for One More Day (Hardcover)

When Anna and her younger brother Joey suddenly lose their beloved Grandpa, "Poppy," they wish they had one more day to spend with him. They think of all the things they would do, such as make matzah ball sculptures in their soup at the deli, play checkers, and listen to him play silly songs on the piano. Their mother encourages them to put all the pictures they make of these memories and wishes into a book. Anna calls this book Wishes for One More Day with Poppy. She calls them wishes rather than memories, because she says, "wishes feel closer." The Jewish custom of sitting shivah is described by her mother, who tells the children how they will light a memorial candle and have friends and family come over "to comfort them with hugs and food." The aunt is shown covering the mirror.

Readers will enjoy the cover picture of Poppy wearing his silly birthday hat with a cardboard candle sticking out of the top of it, and the gentle gouache and watercolor pencil illustrations which follow the flow of the text. This would be very helpful and comforting to use with children who have lost a grandparent or other loved one. They will be encouraged to think of their own memories of those dear to them, and will realize that they will always have those memories in their heart. For ages 6 - 10. Reviewed by Andrea Davidson

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have resource!!, May 13, 2009

By 

K. Ingerto (NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wishes for One More Day (Hardcover)

"Wishes for One More Day" written by Melanie Joy Pastor and published by Flashlight Press is a valuable addition to any counseling library and even recommended for one's personal collection as well. Anna and Joey awake to the news that their beloved Poppy has passed away in the night. Both children are not given the opportunity to tell their Poppy good-bye. A list is created of things they wish they could do one more time with their Poppy and this list is created into a memory book highlighting the times they had spent with their Poppy. A wonderful story that celebrates the life of a loved grandparent and helping children to work through their grief by focusing on the happy memories that they can cherish for years to come. This book is highly recommended and an excellent resource to use with children who have recently lost a loved one.