What Makes This Story Unique?
– Mirrors real, relatable situations children meet every day.
– Turns a values lesson into an engaging story.
– Includes activities that deepen the lesson.
This story is a practical tool to help your child:
– Make confident, values-based choices.
– Handle real-world pressure calmly.
– Grow emotional strength and good habits.
The Empty Wish Chest isn’t just a book — it’s a bridge to meaningful conversations about values, courage and self-respect.
– Perfect for bedtime reading, but be sure to stop at the song right after the story ends — it reflects the story’s values and warms the heart before sleep. Activities and games can be saved for another time.
– Perfect for classroom discussions.
Key Features of the Book
– Interactive Game Zone: A purposeful, fun set of mind & visual games (a maze, spot-the-difference, a hidden-objects scene, a 4×4 sudoku, brain challenges, a number puzzle, a word whirl, riddles, a guessing game and a coloring page) starring characters children love.
– Creative Activities Corner: Drawing, role-play and writing exercises that deepen the story’s morals.
– Discussion Prompts: Thought-provoking questions that spark meaningful parent-child conversations.
– Moral Theme Song: An original, catchy song (“The Only Magic”) whose lyrics align with the story’s core message.
– Illustrated Image Gallery: Vibrant artwork of key moments to inspire reflection.
– Parent’s Companion Guide: Practical tips to foster the story’s value at home.
– Quotes & Dialogues: Lines that model healthy behavior and independent thinking.
– Connect with Lena: Children can safely share their thoughts with Lena by email.
– Child-Tested & Approved: Refined with children’s feedback for relatability and impact.
Storytelling Style:
– Clear, age-appropriate language for 8–12-year-olds.
– Focus on real-world problem-solving without fantasy elements.
– Encourages parent-child bonding through shared reading and activities.
This book aligns with moral parenting values — both an enjoyable read and a valuable experience.
Pages: 46
Finished Size: 229mm x 152mm
Paperback Specifications
– Pages: 65
– Text Stock: 115gsm Coated
– Finished Size: 229mm x 152mm (US Royal)
– Cover Stock: Cover Board
– Binding: Perfect Bound
– Lamination: Matte
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is The Empty Wish Chest for?
It is written for children aged 8–12, and widely read by 13- and 14-year-olds who prefer short chapters, in clear, age-appropriate language with real, relatable situations and no fantasy.
What will my child learn from this story?
To pause, ask “does this match my values?”, and make confident choices with courage.
Is this a digital book or a paperback?
Both. You can choose an instant Digital copy or a printed Paperback edition at checkout.
What is included besides the story?
An interactive game zone, a creative-activities corner, discussion prompts, an original moral theme song, an illustrated image gallery, and a Parent’s Companion Guide.
Is it suitable for bedtime reading?
Yes. For bedtime, read up to the song right after the story ends, and save the games and activities for another time.
Listen to the opening chapters — free
Prefer to listen first? This is the free read-aloud of The Empty Wish Chest, read by a professional narrator, with chapter markers. It covers the opening chapters and stops at the turning point — the ending is in the book.
Is this suitable for a 13 or 14 year old?
Yes. The story is written for ages 8–12, which is where most readers start it, but the situations — group chats, reputation, being talked about at school — land just as hard at 13 and 14. Older readers who find long novels heavy often finish this in one sitting, which is exactly the point.
Short stories for 9 year olds who always want the next thing
If you are searching for short stories for 9 year olds with something underneath the fun, this is one of them. The Empty Wish Chest is about the gap every child knows: getting the thing you wanted, and finding the wanting still there. It belongs with our childrens books about gratitude, but it arrives at gratitude by the back door — through wanting, not through being told to be thankful.
What age is this book for?
Ages 8–12: books for 8 year olds at the younger end, books for 9 year olds and books for 10 year olds squarely in the middle, and books for 11 year olds and books for 12 year olds who still enjoy a short read with a sting in it. Readers of 13 and 14 finish it in an evening. Wider lists: books for 9 year olds and books for 11 year olds.
Is it a chapter book?
Yes — a short illustrated chapter book at 229 x 152 mm; the printed page count is in the specifications above. It is the shortest in the series, which makes it a good first choice for reluctant readers and a good bedtime read.
Ebook or paperback?
Both at checkout. The digital edition is a children’s ebook delivered instantly, readable on any device, available worldwide. The paperback is printed and delivered inside the United Kingdom.
Buying more than one
Any 3, 6 or 10 titles make a children’s book bundle with a lower price per book at each step — build your bundle.
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