Billy Miller Makes a Wish

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the heavy weight of 'magical thinking' or feeling responsible for things outside their control. It is perfect for the sensitive child who worries that their negative thoughts or frustrations might actually cause bad things to happen in real life. The story follows eight-year-old Billy Miller, who makes a birthday wish for something exciting to happen, only to feel immediate guilt when a neighbor's basement floods and a local fire occurs. Kevin Henkes masterfully captures the internal world of a young boy navigating the transition into middle childhood. Through Billy's interactions with his younger sister Sal and his supportive parents, the book explores themes of empathy, the power of apology, and the relief of sharing one's secrets with trusted adults. It provides a gentle, realistic roadmap for children learning to differentiate between their private thoughts and their public actions, making it an essential read for families dealing with childhood anxiety or high levels of empathy.