Thirty-three poems from prolific Dutch children's author Toon Tellegen are paired with around fifty-four portraits done by artist Ingrid Godon in this unusual volume, presented to the English-speaking market by the wonderful Brooklyn-based Elsewhere Editions. The artwork came first, and the poems were written and/or chosen to explore the stories behind that artwork. They are the musings of children - the wishes they make, their attempts to understand the world around them, and their place in it. Often sad, sometimes hopeful, full of wonder and confusion, they grapple with the self, caught in a larger world of experiences and of others...

Originally published in the Netherlands as Ik Wouk, this unusual title is one that I found very interesting, and occasionally moving, but that I would struggle to place, in terms of which children would make its best audience. Perhaps introspective youngsters who are full of questions themselves? I'm not sure. In any case, I was struck by a number of the selections here, from the one about Leonard, who wishes to keep God to himself, to the one devoted to Nora, who thinks that blushing is a war on her face. Wishing to be brave, wondering how one came to be oneself, rather than another, feeling responsible for the ills of the world - all of these are explored here, in short pieces that are thought-provoking, while also evoking a sense of fellow-feeling, a memory of having had similar thoughts. The artwork is striking, with a melancholy, somewhat dreamy sensibility, featuring figures who look somehow distorted or off. I found it very interesting, and enjoyed it, even though I also sometimes found it off-putting. Again, I'm not sure to whom I would recommend this one. Dreamy children who enjoy poetry, and like to think about life, the universe and everything? Children's book readers looking for something unusual? Readers interested, as I am, in translated children's literature? Yes, all of these, I suppose. ( )

I Wish combines the poetry of Toon Tellegen with pictures by Ingrid Godon. The beautifully drawn pictures have a somber essence that makes me want to sit and ponder the subject’s secrets. Often, the drawings corresponded with the poems, but occasionally, they seemed mismatched.

Sadly, the poetry in I Wish was not to my liking. Some poems were interesting, but many were unrelatable or depressing or disturbing. While I understand needing to hold space for one’s negative feelings, reading these poems felt like adding unnecessary negativity to my mind. While I Wish did not appeal to me, poetry readers who are drawn to weighty topics might find this collection interesting.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product via the Amazon Vine program. All opinions in this review are my own. ( )

Interesting book with illustrations from years ago. The prose pieces hold depth, which could initiate some intriguing conversations! Each poem begins with “I wish...”, which then covers topics such as a perfect day, being ignored and unnoticed, fighting vanity, etc. This was such an interesting read. I was given a copy by NetGalley for my honest review. #IWish #NetGalley ( )

I RECEIVED A DRC OF THIS TITLE FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA EDELWEISS. THANK YOU.

My Review: Toon Tellegen is a Dutch poet whose work I've liked (Letters to Anyone and Everyone was a hit with me, illustrated by Jessica Ahlberg instead of Ingrid Godon's artwork inspiring Tellegen as in this book), aimed at younger readers though it is. Permaybehaps that's why I liked it from the moment I discovered it, come to think on it; unlike most poetry, it isn't gawdawful pit-sniffing slef-absorbed and -referential narcissism and condescension. It conveys its message simply and directly, though that message is subject to the reader's interpretation. The two pieces below will demonstrate that the knowledge one brings to the read will shape the poem's meaning.

CARL
I have a little list of conditions I have to fulfill to be satisfied with myself. When I read that list, I think, there are two things I can do: either make a list that's even shorter or never be satisfied with myself. What should I do?


JULIA
When I'm sad I always think: and the saddest is yet to come... Then, besides being sad, I'm scared too.
Why do I do that?
When I'm happy I never think:
and the happiest is yet to come...
When I'm happy, I'm always just
happy.

An adult reader will sense different layers of meaning; your twelve-year-old niece will feel understood, most likely, and thus happily seen and heard. It's a wonderful gift to be given at that age. Feeling seen is a jolt, an emotional high, for adults who can command it in so many more ways than a tween can. This book is for that tween, to elicit the joyous sense of release that is Existing in the World.

Don't hesitate: This moment, this quarantined and isolated moment, is the perfect time to give this gift to the young person in your life.

And, if I'm fully honest, yourself as well. ( )

''DESPAIRERS WILL BE PROSECUTED

written underneath.

If someone despaired anyway, they'd get arrested

and thrown into jail.

I don't like despair.

They'd have special police to take care of it

''Ah, I seem desperate...at the end of your

tether...you're coming with me!''

If I ever got desperate again -it could happen-

I'd make sure nobody saw me.

I'd wait until it was dark and I was in bed

under the covers,

convinced nothing would ever come right again

between me and everyone else.''

Faces staring right at us. Serious, unblinking eyes. Some seemingly expressionless. Others are about to form a smile that may seem amused or sinister. When it comes to portraits everything is indeed in the eye of the beholder. A face hiding secrets and love and pain, all thoughts locked inside a head and a heart that will remain trapped in a frame for the ages to come.

Faces that are beautiful and inscrutable. Eyes that are merciless. Men and women, young and old. Confessions about loneliness and the need to be noticed and understood. The search for God, the fear of Death, the need for love and courage, the hatred and the sadness. Each line, each face may be us...

''I wish I was music, a song that everyone was singing,

whistling, humming. One everyone had

on their mind when they were in love.''

Many thanks to Elsewhere Editions and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My reviews can also be found on https://theopinionatedreaderblog.wordpress.com/ ( )