Watermelon Wishes
Kindergarten-Grade 2–When Charlie and his grandfather plant a watermelon patch together, Charlie hopes that one seed will become a special kind of watermelon that gives one wish. As they enjoy fishing, picnicking, playing basketball, and swimming, Grandpap tries to guess what his grandson would ask for. In the end, Charlie reveals that his wish is for another summer with his grandfather like the one they just had. This sweet story is filled with positive images of shared experiences and cooperation. Schuett's colorful illustrations, most of which are framed with borders of related images, fit well with a book about memories of a special summer. However, the human figures are awkward: some unlikely postures and a recurring look of surprise on Charlie's and Grandpap's faces is distracting. An additional choice for collections in need of intergenerational stories.–Mary Hazelton, Elementary Schools in Warren & Waldoboro, MECopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.