Anything

Rebecca Stead's "Anything" is a poignant and uplifting picture book about a young girl and her father moving into a new apartment. To celebrate their fresh start, Dad offers his daughter three "Anythings" to wish for. While she initially wishes for fun, tangible things like a rainbow or a giant pizza, her true, unspoken wish is to return to their old home. The story beautifully captures the anxiety and sadness that can accompany big changes, especially for children. Her father's loving response, encouraging her to voice her hidden wish, leads to an imaginative journey that helps her find a sense of "home" in her new surroundings. This book is a gentle exploration of resilience, the power of imagination, and the profound comfort of a strong parent-child relationship. It's perfect for children aged 4-11 who are experiencing transitions or big feelings about change.

5 STARRED REVIEWS • AMAZON BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH • KIDS' INDIE NEXT PICK “An unforgettable story about change with a loving father-daughter bond at its heart.”—Matt de la Peña, Newbery Medal–winning author of Last Stop on Market Street Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead’s first picture book is a transporting tale about the power of an honest wish, the courage to speak it out loud, and the imagination to bring it to life. What’s more powerful than a secret wish? A wish you say out loud. Anything paints a tender picture of a father and daughter moving into a new home. Dad brings a birthday cake for the new apartment to celebrate their new beginning and tells his daughter she can wish for anything (or, more precisely, “three Anythings”). Over the course of the day, she wishes for some of her favorite things, including a rainbow and “the biggest slice of pizza in the whole world." But she keeps some of her wishes inside. Because what she really wants is to go back home to their old apartment, with its big blue bathtub and space in the closet for hide-and-seek. When she finally admits this last wish, her dad takes her on a journey, and by the book’s final pages, she is home . . . in every way that matters. Pairing an enchanting story from Rebecca Stead (author of the Newbery Medal-winning When You Reach Me) with delightful artwork from Gracey Zhang (illustrator of the Caldecott Honor-winning Noodles on a Bicycle), Anything is pure magic. A story that will resonate with every young reader, it is a powerful reminder that sometimes making a wish is a way of telling ourselves we're ready for something new. BIG FEELINGS: Change can feel hard or even scary. This book about moving is for anyone facing new beginnings or uncertainty and the emotions that come with navigating the unknown, from fear and anxiety to excitement and hope. It’s a reassuring and uplifting read that shows a child—and her dad—using their imaginations and emotional connection to make room for something new. FATHER-DAUGHTER LOVE: This is a heartwarming portrait of a beautiful father-daughter relationship built on love and trust. By the end of the story, she follows his example of generosity and is able to grant his wish, however small. This pitch-perfect ending will stay with readers long after the last page turns. Perfect for: Kids facing change, new beginnings, or uncertainty Parents seeking a comforting, uplifting book to share with children Educators and therapists looking for resources to coach young readers through challenges and change Father’s Day or birthday gift for dad Fans of Rebecca Stead books, including When You Reach Me, The List of Things That Will Not Change, and The Lost Library Fans of Gracey Zhang books, including Noodles on a Bicycle, Lala’s Words, and The Upside Down Hat