Wishes, Kisses, and Pigs by Betsy Hearne

When Louise makes a careless wish upon the evening star, her brother, Willie, is turned into a pig. This isn’t the first sign of troubles at Tollivers’ Hollow, and certainly not the last. Out-of-hand magic and conspiring neighbors threaten their chances as Louise and her Mama try to find a spell to make everything go back to the way it was.

“That star is out to get me, Mama, honestly!”

An imaginative blend of fairy tale and southern folktale, Wishes Kisses, and Pigs has a unique and timeless charm. Energetic dialogue, messy magic, and a mystery with plenty of twists will keep readers of all ages entertained and guessing right up to the last page.

You took what you had and you took what you knew and what you felt and what you guessed and you mixed them all together, and remembered to look out the window and listen to the birds sing while you were doing it. Plus, it didn’t hurt to count your blessings while you were beating the batter. Louise thought this might be the recipe for the whole world.

I especially love this story for the bond between Louise and her mother, Clara. These two aren’t just mother and daughter, they’re best friends. They talk through all their problems together, keep one another steady through adversity, and truly listen to one another. I love stories with positive female role models, and Clara Tolliver has risen nearly to the top of my list with Louise close behind.

⬢ ⬢ ⬢ ⬢  FOUR STARS
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