The wish sisters: The party wish by Allison Rushby. Illus. by Karen Blair

Award winning author Allison Rushby has come up with an amazing story line; a baby sister who can make wishes come true.

When Flick reads the unicorn picture book to her baby sister for the second time that evening, she hopes that one day she will not have to talk about unicorns that poop cupcakes, or have a bath of marshmallows or a cake made of clouds, but read something else.

But the very next day as she sees her parents looking into the garden full of things from the unicorn book, she is told that her gran has passed on an imp who makes wishes come true. And sure enough a unicorn pooping cupcakes is trotting down the hallway. There is a pit of marshmallows in the garden and a cloud cake all waiting for a party to start. An imp appears as mum and dad try to explain the inexplicable, and Flick knows that there will be problems. She is allowed to tell her best friend, Olli, but no one else as they set about inviting the street to the party. Mrs Mortlake the nasty next door neighbour is out but just as the party is about to start, she appears over the fence on her stepping stool. Of course she is invited and when she sees the extent of the party decides to invite her niece, a journalist.

But mayhem ensues as a wish for a ponytail sees one sprouting out from Flick’s nose, and the unicorn and imp are nowhere to be seen. How to undermine the power of the imp without allowing the adults to realise that there is a wish to be found in their midst makes for a funny turn of events as Flick asks Olli for his help.

A very cute premise for a storyline which is the first in a new series, the Wish Sisters are an engaging pair of siblings, reflecting a closeness to be admired and emulated. Unicorns figure in many stories of late, and add an air of mystery and intrigue for the reader.

Delightful illustrations by Karen Blair are dotted throughout the story while the front cover is colourful and inviting, reflecting as it does the role many older siblings take within the family. This is a warm cheery series involving strong family connections, happy loving siblings, a multitude of different friendships and neighbours, underpinned by a strong sense of community.

Themes: Unicorns, Family life, Wishes, Imps, Community, Friendship, Neighbours, Humour.

Fran Knight