Penny Dora and the Wishing Box

Gr 3–5—In this cautionary tale based in part on a story by the author's young daughter, when Penny Dora Jefferson opens a mysterious box on Christmas, it calls her name and asks what she wishes for, becoming more insistent when Penny hesitates. Thoroughly creeped out, Penny gives the box to her friend Elizabeth for safekeeping. But Elizabeth is hardly careful what she wishes for, and soon fire-breathing dragons are wreaking havoc on their suburban town. As the first volume in a series, the book ends with many questions unanswered—where did the box come from, and why was it sent to Penny? Who is the mysterious goth girl at the bus stop who seems to know more about the box than she's letting on?—and plenty of room for further wish-related misadventures. The colorful art brings verve and humor to the book, though both illustrations and text occasionally seem to struggle to keep up with the convoluted plot. Still, the fantastic transformations and cute details (such as a ham-obsessed cat) will hold appeal for young readers.