The Wisher's Handbook Author:Francine Jacobs Anyone who has ever crossed his fingers and wished on the moon, or shut his eyes and thrown a pinch of salt over his shoulder should be fascinated by this lovely collection. Francine Jacobs tells all about the special rules one must obey in order to have one's wishes come true. Included are charms and incantations from all over the world. IN Jam... more »aica one need only have a coin to make a wish on the new moon, and in Japan one may write a wish on a long strip of colored paper and leave it, fluttering gently, tied to a branch of a bamboo tree. There is advice, too, on the special powers of the moon, the stars, rainbows, and night creatures, and strawberries and hairpins, dandelions, and ladybugs--all magical agents of a wish-come-true. This little book is like a cobweb, delicate and fine, and the stuff of dreams.
This book might sound as if it's written by and for people interested in wicca, and indeed it might have a particular appeal to Wiccan believers; however, this is an intentionally naive, childlike book meant for children and other similar beings, and the last line above from the fly perfectly describes this charming book. Francine Jacobs concentrated, at Queens, in elementary education and child psychology. The illustrator, Ingrid Fetz, attended the Waldon School, and Cambridge School of Art, and she illustrated many well known children's books, such as The Holy Terror and Maurice's Room.« less