Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Kids have a big-city adventure in eco-conscious fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In CITY OF WISHES: LEGENDS OF LOTUS ISLAND, BOOK 3, Plum and Cherry are excited to visit Nakhon City for the first time and stay with their friend Sam. Sam's mother, Lady Ubon, runs the government and lives in a mansion. Everything seems like a dream when they arrive: the silver hovercar that takes them around town, all the amazing food stalls, and the shopping. Both girls need fancy clothes for the big New Year's celebration. But there's something amiss in Nakhon City literally right below their feet. Small earthquakes abound, and when a tremor is strong enough to collapse part of an apartment building, the Novice Guardians change into their animal forms to save the day. Plum and friends are afraid that it could happen again, especially if the government keeps building and building while ripping out all of the yamyam trees. If only they could get someone to listen.
Is It Any Good?
In this engaging eco-conscious fantasy series, the Novice Guardians island-hop their way to the big city for a working vacation, reminding us of the importance of green spaces everywhere. Nakhon City is used to flying robots running their errands, fighting fires, and delivering first aid. Suddenly the city folk are treated to real-live Novice Guardians. Plum, Cherry, Sam, and friends are instant heroes, climbing buildings in their (rather cute) animal forms in a daring rescue. And because they have been trained to pay close attention to the natural world, they are the only ones in Nakhon City who see how bad it is to cut down all the yamyam trees to build more and more housing. Earth-loving kids will feel plenty of empathy for the Guardians as they try to get all those business-minded adults to listen. And they'll cheer when an evil plot is thwarted thanks to their Guardian powers, and the powers of a surprise ally. City of Wishes may be brief like the others in the Legends of Lotus Island series, but the final pages set up the next book to be an even bigger adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Plum shows integrity in City of Wishes. In chapter 16 she says, "Wanting something—wanting it with your entire heart—could make you forget everything else that was important." What is it that Plum wanted so badly? What does she decide is important in the end?
What are the signs that Nakhon City takes too much from the natural world? If you live in or near a city, are there green spaces? Is there too much concrete? How can you take action to support the environment as Plum and her friends do?
Cherry is a girl who defies gender stereotypes. She's a great fighter, she loves to eat, and she would never feel comfortable in a dress. How is she supported by her friends and others for being who she is? How do you support your friends for being who they are?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Kevin Hong
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship , Robots , STEM
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Curiosity , Integrity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic Paperbacks
- Publication date : March 5, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 160
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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