
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the urge for instant gratification or feeling overwhelmed by a situation they cannot immediately change. It is a perfect choice for children who need to understand the difference between a minor setback and a true emergency, and for those learning the value of quiet resilience. Alicia, a young princess in a family facing financial hardship, is gifted a magic wishbone by a fairy godmother. However, she is told she can only use its magic once, and only when the time is exactly right. As her family faces various mishaps, Alicia must resist the temptation to use the wish for small comforts, holding out instead for the moment it is truly needed. This Usborne retelling of Charles Dickens's classic tale balances lighthearted humor with a deep lesson on patience. It is ideal for early readers (ages 5 to 8) as it models how inner strength and family love are more powerful than any quick fix.
The book touches on financial hardship and the stress of a large family in a secular, fairy-tale manner. The resolution is hopeful and reinforces the idea that while magic is nice, human effort and patience are what truly matter.
A 6 or 7-year-old child who often feels the weight of being the oldest sibling, or a child who is learning to manage their impulses and wait for a meaningful reward.
The book can be read cold. Parents may want to emphasize the humor in the large number of siblings to keep the tone light. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child say, 'It’s not fair!' or 'I want it now!' regarding a situation that requires time or effort to resolve.
Younger children (age 5) will enjoy the whimsical fairy-tale elements and the 'one wish' concept. Older children (ages 7-8) will better grasp the nuance of Alicia’s restraint and the satire regarding her father's lack of practical solutions.
Unlike many fairy tales where magic is the first resort, this story uniquely champions the 'wait and see' approach, valuing character and persistence over supernatural intervention.
Princess Alicia is the eldest daughter of a king and queen who are struggling with their finances. A fairy godmother gives Alicia a magic wishbone, instructing her that it will grant one wish, provided it is used at the right time. The story follows Alicia as she helps care for her eighteen siblings and manages household crises with grace and hard work. While her father encourages her to use the magic to solve their money problems, Alicia waits until she has exhausted all human efforts, eventually using the wish to bring about a happy resolution for the entire family.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a review