Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite

“Starlight, star bright…” — what if one quiet wish really could change everything? Moonlight and Wishes by Randi Woodward Larsen is about a lonely boy named Joey, who only wants one thing: a friend. Since moving from the city to a quiet ranch, Joey spends his nights gazing at the stars and makes that heartfelt wish, asking for a friend. Suddenly, a beautiful, glowing horse named Starlight appears and takes him on an unforgettable journey through space, revealing that all wishes can come true - you just have to believe. Hoping Starlight is right, he waits and waits, until one day there’s a scratch at the door. Joey opens it, and on the other side is the answer to his wish: a scruffy, lovable puppy he names Spark. The captivating illustrations truly capture the magic of this story. Its message is encapsulated in this phrase: "Dreams really do come true, if you just believe."

Moonlight and Wishes caught my eye with its cover, but it was the story that truly enchanted me. Randi Woodward Larsen’s words are engaging, and as a reader (and educator), I couldn’t help feeling empathy for Joey at first. He seemed quite lonely, and I was rooting for him to find a friend finally. I was so happy for him by the end of the story because everyone deserves to have a special friend in their life. As an educator, I think this story could spark great conversations on dreaming or wishing, what makes a good friend, and asking children if they could pick an animal to be their friend, which animal would they choose? I also appreciated the magical nature of the story, which will undoubtedly hold the attention of children at home or in school. Plus, Patrick Brooks’ pictures add charm to each page. Joey’s journey is a sweet reminder that, sometimes, believing really is the first step.