Jasmin's Summer Wish

A picture book about what can happen when wishes come true.

During a particularly strong heat wave, young Jasmin’s friends grumble and wish for winter, but she’s ready to celebrate. In fact, she says, she wishes that the heat would last all year—and her wish, through unexplained means, comes true. The intense heat lasts into other seasons and for several years afterward. At first, Jasmin, who doesn’t seem to age over the course of her endless summer, is happy with these results. She still loves summer, the heat and the sun, but she eventually begins to get bored with summer activities; worse yet, the lack of natural change starts to affect the plant life. Overall, the book feels inconsistent, as it sporadically rhymes and switches between casual and formal voices. “As she walked past faded gardens, little Jasmin pieced together / how the city is affected by the changes to the weather” comes off as somewhat stilted compared to earlier, more dynamic language. However, the tone is consistently happy and light. The author pairs half pages of text with half-page, black-and-white cartoonish illustrations, or with full-page color scenes. Jasmin’s friends represent a diverse range of ethnicities, and their reactions are especially amusing in contrast to Jasmin’s enthusiasm; one scene, for example, shows them all seeking “refuge in the frozen food aisle.” The brightly colored illustrations, which emphasize large eyes and long hair, can be a bit awkward from time to time, but, for the most part, nicely capture the characters.

Rough around the edges, but a fun summertime read for children.