Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Eighth Birthday Wish by Bruce E. Arrington is about a girl named Sophia who lives in the country of Narthland. Sophia cannot sing, though all her brothers and sisters can sing very well. Her grandparents and parents also sing like sweet angels. Her birthday comes and she decides to ask the Great Rock Faery to grant her wish. Sophia knows she has to take her parents with to reach the magical hill as that region is known to be wild. Will Sophia’s wish be granted? Will she be able to sing like her siblings, parents, and grandparents? Read the story to find out.

The book is enchanting and every line is filled with magic. Written in rhyming verses, the story is lyrical and the watercolor sketches bring the story to life and give it a good pace and movement. The way Sophia meets the challenges is encouraging and the adventure, her bravery, determination, perseverance, and compassion are all good messages and lessons for readers. The unexpected challenges and the not-so-friendly faery give a twist to the plot. In a story woven with whimsy, the author conveys good messages and thoughts to readers, making these magical and charming. Books like this are delightful and adorable as children learn a lot of new things through the story. It is a fun read for all, and tutors and educators can use it in classrooms to introduce children to new concepts, good messages, and life lessons. There is whimsy, there is magic, there is enchantment, there is a good message and that is what makes this story a must-read.