Trees can’t tell jokes, but they can certainly tell stories.
Red is an oak tree who is many rings old. Red is the neighborhood “wishtree”―people write their wishes on pieces of cloth and tie them to Red’s branches. Along with her crow friend Bongo and other animals who seek refuge in Red’s hollows, this “wishtree” watches over the neighborhood.
You might say Red has seen it all—until a new family moves in. Not everyone is welcoming, and Red’s experiences as a wishtree are more important than ever.
Funny, deep, warm, and nuanced, Wishtree is Newbery Medalist and New York Times–bestselling author Katherine Applegate at her very best―writing from the heart and from a completely unexpected point of view.
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“It’s easy to suspend disbelief with Nancy Linari’s animated reading of this story. She quickly engages listeners with the authoritative viewpoint of Red…Linari is equally successful in voicing the tenderness Red has for the humans who hang wishes from her branches…Conveying the author’s wit and humor, Linari keeps the story from being heavy-handed. Especially memorable are her vivid portrayals of minor characters, especially Bongo, a sarcastic crow who is Red’s best friend. This is a fabulous family listen! Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile
“Timely, necessary, and brimming with heart.”
— Booklist (starred review)“The simplicity of Newbery Medalist Applegate’s graceful novel contrasts powerfully with the prejudice it confronts….Red’s openhearted voice and generosity of spirit bring perspective gained over centuries of observation. It’s a distinctive call for kindness, delivered by an unforgettable narrator.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)Katherine Applegate is the author of numerous books for middle-graders, including The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal and a New York Times bestseller.
Nancy Linari is an actress and Eaphones Award–winning narrator. She has appeared on Fringe, Brothers and Sisters, Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, and General Hospital. Her theater credits include I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It on the Road, and I’m Not Rappaport.