Early Reader Review: Anything by Rebecca Stead

Source: From Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Anything by Rebecca Stead, Illustrated by Gracey Zhang 

Publisher:  Chronicle Books
Publication Date:  April 29, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead’s first picture book is a transporting tale about the power of an honest wish, the courage to speak it out loud, and the imagination to bring it to life.

What’s more powerful than a secret wish? A wish you say out loud.

Anything paints a tender picture of a father and daughter moving into a new home. Dad brings a birthday cake for the new apartment to celebrate their new beginning and tells his daughter she can wish for anything (or, more precisely, “three Anythings”). Over the course of the day, she wishes for some of her favorite things, including a rainbow and “the biggest slice of pizza in the whole world."

But she keeps some of her wishes inside. Because what she really wants is to go back home to their old apartment, with its big blue bathtub and space in the closet for hide-and-seek. When she finally admits this last wish, her dad takes her on a journey, and by the book’s final pages, she is home . . . in every way that matters.

Pairing an enchanting story from Rebecca Stead (author of the Newbery Medal-winning When You Reach Me) with delightful artwork from Gracey Zhang (illustrator of the Ezra Jack Keats Award-winning Lala’s Words), Anything is pure magic. A story that will resonate with every young reader, it is a powerful reminder that sometimes making a wish is a way of telling ourselves we're ready for something new.

SINGLE PARENT BOOK FOR This book is perceptive and relatable, inspired by Rebecca Stead’s childhood living half-time with her dad. Rebecca wanted to write a book about a father and daughter finding each other in the world of the imagination and has been crafting this one for nearly twenty years.

BIG Change can feel hard or even scary. This book about moving is for anyone facing new beginnings or uncertainty and the emotions that come with navigating the unknown, from fear and anxiety to excitement and hope. It’s a reassuring and uplifting read that shows a child—and her dad—using their imaginations and emotional connection to make room for something new.

FATHER-DAUGHTER This is a heartwarming portrait of a beautiful father-daughter relationship built on love and trust. By the end of the story, she follows his example of generosity and is able to grant his wish, however small. This pitch-perfect ending will stay with readers long after the last page turns.

Perfect facing change, new beginnings, or uncertainty (such as moving, divorce, loss, or grief)Parents seeking a comforting, uplifting book to share with children. Educators and therapists looking for resources to coach young readers through challenges and change Father’s Day or birthday gift for dad. Fans of Rebecca Stead books, including When You Reach Me, The List of Things That Will Not Change, and The Lost Library Fans of Gracey Zhang books, including Lala’s A Story of Planting Kindness, When Rubin Plays, and the many award-winning titles she has illustrated

Review:

 This beautifully crafted children’s book captures the essence of change—its initial uncertainty and the blossoming hope that follows. The narrative follows a little girl navigating the intimidating feelings of change, perfectly mirrored by the artwork that evolves from a subdued greyscale to a vibrant, rich palette. This transformation is not just visually stunning; it symbolically represents the journey from fear to optimism.

At the heart of the story is the extraordinary bond between a loving father and his imaginative daughter. From the very beginning, her father’s support is palpable as he encourages her to make wishes, offering a world where she can choose “anything.” His ability to adapt and provide reassurance provides not only comfort but also an empowering message: even when change seems overwhelming, there is beauty and possibility waiting on the other side.

This book is an inspiring resource for children experiencing uncertainty—whether due to big life changes or moving to a new place. It gently reassures young readers that while change can be scary, it also opens up a world of color, opportunity, and personal growth. A must-read for families seeking a heartfelt story that celebrates resilience, love, and the magic of possibility.