Joha Makes A Wish

 

1. Bibliography

Kimmel, E. 2010. Joha makes a wish: A middle eastern tale. Ill. by A. Rayyan. Two Lions/Amazon Publishing. ISBN 978-1477816875

2. Plot Summary 

Joha discovers a wishing stick while on his way to Baghdad. He tries to make some wishes but notices that the opposite things are coming true. His wishes begin to get him in trouble when he wishes a wart on the sultan’s nose to disappear, and the wart begins to grow to look like grapes. While trying to hide from the guards, Joha meets an old man. After explaining the trouble that he is in, the old man tells Joha that he has been holding the wishing stick the wrong way which is why his wishes aren’t coming out right. Trying to redeem himself with the sultan, Joha fixes his nose but, the sultan ends up taking his wishing stick for himself. 

3. Critical Analysis

This story gives insight into the Middle East culture with a humorous tale that will keep the readers guessing what mess will Joha get into next. There are some phrases such as sultan that young readers may not know the meaning of. The illustrations help to show that the sultan is a king by how he is dressed compared to Joha.

4. Review Excerpts 

Goodreads review: “Funny story, appropriately silly illustrations. I do love 'be careful what you wish for' stories, even ones I've heard before. This one resembles others and is esp. great for those less familiar with the different motifs.”

School Library Journal- “The wishing scheme and fulsome pictures promise read-aloud fun.”

5. Connections

Read other stories written by Eric A. Kimmel: The Rooster’s Antlers, Whale of a Tale, and Rattlestiltskin

Students can write about what they would do if they found a wishing stick.