
A parent might reach for this book when their child is feeling a little bored, lonely, or is wishing for something more. It's a perfect story to validate those big feelings of yearning while gently guiding a child toward finding joy in their current reality. The story follows Penelope, who, when asked what her 'druthers' would be, draws a magnificent and magical creature that comes to life. Their adventure is full of wonder, but as her wishes grow, so does her creation, leading to a tender realization about what truly matters. This whimsical and beautifully illustrated book is a warm, reassuring read for imaginative children, opening a gentle conversation about desire, contentment, and the love of family.
None. The book is secular and avoids any sensitive topics. The central conflict is a very mild internal one (boredom, desire) which is resolved metaphorically through the imaginative adventure. The resolution is entirely hopeful, reinforcing the security of family love.
This is ideal for a thoughtful, imaginative 4 to 7-year-old who might be an only child or is experiencing temporary feelings of loneliness or boredom. It speaks directly to the child who spends a lot of time in their own head, creating worlds and dreaming of more, and needs a gentle reminder of the goodness in their real life.
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewNo preparation is needed. The book can be read cold. The concept of 'druthers' is explained simply within the text, making it a lovely piece of new vocabulary for a child to learn and use. A parent overhears their child saying, 'I'm so bored!' or wistfully sighing, 'I wish I had a pony.' The child might seem a bit lonely or is constantly dreaming of things they don't have, and the parent is looking for a way to honor those big dreams while also cultivating gratitude.
A younger child (4-5) will focus on the magic of the drawing coming to life and the fun of the fantastical creature. An older child (6-8) will be better able to grasp the subtle theme: that getting everything you want isn't the same as true happiness, and that connection is more valuable than any magical possession. They will also appreciate the cleverness of the word 'druthers.'
Unlike cautionary 'be careful what you wish for' tales, this book's magic is gentle and without consequence. The magical creature doesn't vanish because of a mistake, but because the child's emotional need has been met. The introduction of the wonderful, old-fashioned word 'druthers' is unique and provides a fantastic, memorable anchor for the story's theme. Matt Phelan's soft, expressive pencil and watercolor illustrations give the book a classic, timeless feel.
A young girl named Penelope is feeling bored and listless. Her father introduces her to the concept of 'druthers' (what you'd rather have or do). She draws her ultimate druthers: a composite animal that is part horse, dog, cat, and reindeer. The drawing magically comes to life, and she and the creature play. With each new wish she makes, the creature grows larger, eventually becoming too big for her room. In a moment of gentle overwhelm, Penelope realizes her truest 'druthers' is simply to be with her dad, and the magical creature disappears, leaving her content.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.