The Three Wishes: A Christmas Story
What’s inside...
From bestselling children's author and illustrator Alan Snow comes the perfect Father Christmas origin story. A young boy herding his family's reindeer is drawn into a mysterious cave that holds eternal summer, looked after by a wooden creature, a bird, and a fish. The cave has a unique rule: once entered, time in the outside world stands still. The boy, unable to leave, is granted three wishes: freedom, happiness, and time, which he is promised will eventually be granted. This beautifully-told and stunningly-illustrated story explains all the traditions and myths around Santa Claus, from how he travels around the world in one night and why he leaves presents, to the origins of his red coat. It's a fresh take on a classic tale that is bound to become a family Christmas tradition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were given three wishes like the characters in the story?
How did the characters' choices affect their adventures?
What does this story teach us about giving and kindness?
Why do you think the author chose Christmas as the setting for this tale?
How do the illustrations enhance the story for you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own three wishes and discuss the possible outcomes of each.
Ask your child to identify their favorite part of the book and explain why it stands out to them.
Discuss the theme of generosity and ask your child how they might show kindness to others.
Relate the story to your family’s own holiday traditions and ask your child to think about what makes this time of year special to them.
Use the illustrations in the book as a starting point to ask your child to describe the story using visual clues.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and generosity
Explanation: In 'The Three Wishes: A Christmas Story,' the protagonist demonstrates kindness by using their wishes to help others, rather than for personal gain.
Real-World Application: Children learn that acts of generosity can bring joy to others and create a positive impact in the community. This encourages them to think of ways they can be helpful and kind in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of thoughtful decision-making
Explanation: The process of making wishes forces the protagonist to think carefully about what is truly important, demonstrating the importance of thoughtful choices.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand the importance of considering the consequences of their decisions and encourage them to think critically before making choices.
Example Lesson: The impact of selflessness
Explanation: By prioritizing the needs of others over their own desires, the protagonist shows the profound impact of selfless behavior.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to put others first and shows them that such acts of selflessness can lead to greater communal happiness and satisfaction.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The happiness derived from granting wishes for others highlights the joy that can come from giving rather than receiving.
Real-World Application: Children learn that true joy and fulfillment can come from making others happy, which can inspire them to engage in acts of generosity during holidays and beyond.
Example Lesson: Understanding personal values
Explanation: As the character deliberates on how to use the wishes, they reflect on their personal values and what matters most to them.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children reflect on their own values and understand how those values can guide their actions and decisions in life.