Helping kids value what’s truly important in life can be challenging! Sometimes, it seems like everything works against us as parents. Our kids are surrounded by ads everywhere they go, and they’re continually shown all the toys, clothes, and games that they should want. Raising kids who focus on people and values instead of possessions can feel incredibly difficult. In this sweet little story, Sammy and the Magic Wand by Mindy Zaidman, children will learn that the important things in life are the people we love, not the things we possess.

At the beginning of the story, Sammy is content to play in the backyard of her house with her dog Zoey. Her play is simple, and she’s surrounded by nature. However, Zoey soon finds a mysterious stick in the bushes, and it turns out to be a magic wand! Sammy realizes that she has five wishes, and begins to think about what she wants.

It’s at this point that the story begins to take an unexpected turn. Sammy begins to wish for a dress, crown, shoes, and all the accessories she needs to be a beautiful princess. The catch? Each time she wishes for a new glittery item, a member of her family disappears! Her dog becomes her dress; her mom turns into her crown, her brother turns into her slippers, and her dad becomes a giant castle. 

It’s not until she has all the possessions she desires that Sammy realizes there’s no one to share them with! She’s traded the people she loves for physical items. She uses her last wish to set things right. 

Simply written, this book is perfect for emerging readers to try on their own. As a family, it’s a great story to discuss; the moral is easy to discern and will be familiar to many children. We often talk how important it is to care for our family and love each other well, and this book helps reinforce that lesson.