posted on 14 Nov 2020

Samira’s Wish by Saviour Pirotta, illustrated by Valeria Szucs

Surely everybody loves a comforting meal of baked beans on toast? As soon as I realised that this was a central feature of this engaging little story by this well- known author, I prepared myself, rather wearily, for the inevitable mention of farting which children so enjoy!  I am glad to say that this was a much more creative tale than that - one which focusses on the well- known storybook fact that beans can have exciting magical properties.

Samira is a cheerful looking young girl who is very excited to learn that her grandparents are coming to visit the following morning. She decides to give them a big welcome after their long journey by preparing Grandpa’s favourite breakfast: beans on toast. I was pleased to see that she was evidently used to doing such tasks independently without adults fussing about hygiene and safety. It has already been established that she is a very clever, thoughtful and imaginative child but she is also very well organised and prepares the ingredients the night before she goes to bed. Unfortunately, dad comes home later, feels rather peckish and eats up all beans for an evening snack.

Samira is very disappointed but, luckily, there is a handy corner shop nearby which just happens to have one tin left on the shelves. She and Grandpa  are relieved but Mrs April, the rather witchy looking shop owner, explains that it is a ‘special’ tin that needs to be used wisely. There are plenty of clues about her possible magical connections in the detailed illustrations by Valeria Szucs that show cats everywhere and a mysterious looking fridge that ‘makes hissing noises like a dragon in disguise’. Once back home, Samira and her family are thrilled to discover that the label on the tin promises  ‘A wish comes true with every mouthful’.  As I’m sure many children will point out, this is not necessarily a good thing and they soon discover that having what they think they want to wish for causes huge problems.

I really liked the message that we need to think about others when trying to fulfil personal desires. For instance, a consequence of Grandma wishing for a huge house means that all the neighbouring houses get squashed together as a result – wonderfully depicted. Even when the neighbours are invited to join in with the wishes – they are thoughtless and reckless. Samira is far more mature than the lot of them and thankfully saves the day. 

This is an imaginative and thought-provoking story with a very likeable protagonist. There is also much scope for talking about favourite foods as well as speculating about making sensible wishes that don’t affect other people negatively. I can imagine lots of discussion about making links with well- known folk tales like Aladdin and Jack and the Beanstalk I also liked the inclusion of interesting  ‘Fun Facts about Baked Beans’ and a recipe at the back.

Strongly recommended.      

Karen Argent

November 2020