I Wish You More: A Cozy Ritual of Wishes
As a mom in the thick of bedtime routines, I often find myself grasping for those fleeting moments of connection with my kids. Just the other night, as I settled my little ones under their blankets, I whispered, “How about a special story tonight?” Their sleepy eyes gleamed with excitement, and that’s when I pulled out my copy of I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. It felt like the perfect choice—a heartfelt compilation of wishes and encouragements that both warmed my heart and sparked their imagination.
This beautiful book, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has captured many hearts, and it’s easy to see why. The premise is simple yet profound: each page is a new wish for the reader—wishes for wonder, friendship, laughter, and love. It’s not just a book; it’s a treasure trove of positivity and warmth. As I read each page aloud, I could see my children really absorbing the messages tucked within the whimsically delightful illustrations by Tom Lichtenheld. They giggled at the images, pointed out silly details, and loudly declared their favorite wishes, transforming a simple reading session into an interactive adventure.
What truly stood out was the book’s layout. Each spread features a charming illustration paired with a wish that resonates, making it perfect for younger children with shorter attention spans. Whether I was reading it to my 3-year-old, who was enamored with the colorful pictures of kids exploring the world, or my 5-year-old, who loved repeating the phrases like a little mantra, this book held their attention perfectly. We found ourselves stopping to talk about what each wish meant, like “I wish you more wonder” leading to a discussion about the wonders of nature we could find outside.
A moment I want to cherish forever was when my son pointed to the page that wished for “more courage.” He looked thoughtful and said, “Mom, does that mean I should try to go on the big slide?” It was such a sweet reminder of how these little wishes can influence big steps in their lives. The lines danced off the page, and I often found myself choking back happy tears at the thoughtfulness packed into each wish. One line that particularly struck us was “I wish you more hugs.” My daughter promptly wrapped her arms around me, and in that embrace, I felt the profound beauty of our reading ritual.
So who would I recommend I Wish You More to? Well, anyone looking to add a sprinkle of joy and encouragement into their lives. Perfect for kids aged 2 and up, this book makes for a thoughtful gift for baby showers, graduations, or just because you want to share a moment of tenderness with a loved one.
This book quickly transformed from a one-time read to a staple in our bedtime library. Every time I pull it out, I know we’re not just reading; we’re dreaming big together, and that’s a feeling I wish for every parent to experience. Motherhood can be chaotic, but the simple moments spent sharing smiles, stories, and wishes like those found in I Wish You More fill my heart with gratitude and remind me of the beauty in our everyday life.
