Annika's Secret Wish

"What would I wish for?" Annika wondered aloud. "If ever I had the almond in my pudding...what would be my wish?"

In turn-of the-century Sweden, finding the almond hidden in the rice pudding is the Christmas Eve highlight for many children, since it means a chance to wish...for a new pair of snowshoes, a mountain of truffles coated with cocoa, an adorable kitten. For ten long years--all of her life--Annika has dreamed of discovering the almond in her own pudding. Will this be her year?

A beautiful book that will become part of a family's Christmas heritage, Annika's Secret Wish inspires young and old to freely give and share even long hoped-for gifts. The final page features Swedish Christmas traditions that your family may choose to include in your own holiday celebration.

A Christmas story about a little Swedish girl who, in the midst of an ancient tradition, learns the importance of giving and the power of Christ's sacrificial love.

A heartwarming Christmas story about a little Swedish girl who learns the importance of giving and the power of Christ's sacrificial love. Ages 2 and up.

Children's Literature

Christmas-around-the-world stories are becoming very popular as educators recognize the need for learning about diversity. This story introduces Scandinavian Christmas traditions in a warm story of family love. Annika hopes that she will be the lucky one who finds an almond hidden in her Christmas pudding. Finding this treasure means she can have any Christmas present she wants, and her wish is for a beautiful pony of her own. Annika knows that every child has the same desire to find the almond this includes her younger brother, Davy, whose wish is far more important. When Annika is served her pudding and sees the almond hidden inside, she is torn between keeping it for herself and quickly switching it to Davy's plate. She makes the right decision. It is important to note that there are strong religious overtones in this story that reflect the Scandinavian culture. Also, adults must point out to children that wishes for physical healing cannot be granted by simple good luck. 2000, Bethany Backyard. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Carol Lynch

Beverly Lewis, raised in Pennsylvania Amish country, is a former schoolteacher, an accomplished musician, and an award-winning author of more than eighty books, many of which have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA Today and The New York Times. Her novel The Brethren won a 2007 Christy Award for excellence in Christian fiction. Beverly and her husband, David, live in Colorado.