"It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 (NIV)

"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.

REVIEW: Annika has hoped she’d be the one to find the almond hidden in the rice pudding every Christmas Eve for the past ten years, but every year the almond has gone to someone else. This year is her last chance—her only hope at obtaining her special secret wish.

Her brothers, Erik and Davy, also hope to find the almond, dreaming that their own wishes might come true. As Christmas preparations begin in turn-of-the-century Sweden, finding the almond in the rice pudding is a holiday tradition in many families. And the children all dream big dreams—a new pair of snowshoes, a mountain of chocolate candy, or maybe even a kitten. Whose wishes will come true this year?

ANNIKA’S SECRET WISH is a colorful story, with rich descriptive phrases guaranteed to even capture a grown-up’s imagination. My children were captivated by this tale, and my daughter even borrowed the CD (included with the book) to listen to the story again.

Evie Tornquist Karlsson does a great job narrating the story, and the CD includes two Christmas carols song by Evie for an extra treat.

ANNIKA’S SECRET WISH is a fantastic story to wrap up for a special child in your life. Children will love the expertly drawn pictures and the fantastically told story. It is sure to delight young and old alike. Hardcover. $16.99. 32 pages.

--- reviewed by Laura V. Hilton for Christian Bookshelf