White Horses and Shooting Stars

Edith Fowke is professor emerita of folklore at York University, the
1986 winner of the Vicky Metcalf award for her body of work for
children, and the author of Canadian Folklore: Perspectives on Canadian
Culture and Legends Told in Canada.

This is a small book about wishes, attractively and lavishly illustrated
by Chum McLeod. Many of the items are traditional and in folklore are
classified as superstitions. Most of these items are familiar, but many
new wishes dealing with modern topics have been added. These were
apparently created by the writer and seem out of place among the
traditional items.

The book is divided into nine sections: The Lost World of Wishing;
Making Magic; The Wild Blue Yonder; The Great Outdoors; On the Road;
Home, Sweet Home; Food, Glorious Food; From Head to Toe; and Throughout
the Year. Each section gives some background history and various
examples.

Much of the book is interesting but it is hard to see what audience it
is intended to serve. Some of the language may prove difficult for young
children, while teenagers would probably prefer more sophisticated
reading. Recommended with reservations.