0
    • Elementary Secondary Higher Ed Common Reads
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image

    Emilia Wishing

    Author Belen Medina On Tour
    Illustrated by Magdalena Mora
    Ebook
    RH Childrens Books | Random House Studio
    On sale Jun 09, 2026 | 40 Pages | 9780593905241
    Preschool - 3
    Reading Level: Lexile 790L
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    See Additional Formats
    In this poignant picture book, Emilia wishes for all the things she doesn't have, including her own bed, a new car, and nicer clothes. But as she discovers through her mom’s sacrifices, Emilia already has what she needs.

    Emilia wakes up with hot breath in her face and a sharp knee poking her from behind, wishing she had her own bed. Emilia looks out from the back seat of her old car at her neighborhood, wishing she lived on a tree-lined street in a big house with a swimming pool. And when she gets to the rundown strip mall where the thrift shop is—and not the fancy mall across the street—she models clothes for her Mama and sisters, wishing they could all be hers. But money is tight, and Mama works hard, and so she must wait. And when the day finally comes when they can make the last payment on layaway, Emilia realizes that the clothes don’t matter—her Mama’s love and joy and radiance is what does.
      
    Emilia Wishing is a beautiful tale of gratitude, family bonds, and the realization that true wealth lies in the love and sacrifices of those around us.
    Belen Medina, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, was born and raised in California’s Central Valley. She spent her childhood summers with her extended family in Mexico and has been navigating two cultures her entire life. She is a Lee & Low New Voices Award Honoree and an Ann Paul Whitford Award Honoree. Belen's debut picture book, Daughter of theLight-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez, received three starred reviews and was named a best book of the year by School Library Journal and the Horn Book.

    Magdalena Mora is a Minneapolis-based illustrator and graphic designer. She has illustrated numerous picture books including Still Dreaming/Seguimos Soñando and The Notebook Keeper, both of which were 2023 Pura Belpre Honor award winners. She is also the illustrator of Barrio Rising, which received two starred reviews. Magdalena grew up between Chicago, Mexico, and California. When not drawing, Magdalena likes reading, people-watching, and trying to find the best tacos in the Twin Cities.
    Belen Medina View titles by Belen Medina
    Magdalena Mora View titles by Magdalena Mora
    "An immersive, sharp-eyed appreciation of family bonds." —Kirkus Reviews

    "A perspective-shifting narrative that acknowledges, and appreciates, a mother’s devotion." —Publishers Weekly

    "A heartwarming story about family, love, and the riches that money cannot buy." —Booklist

    About

    In this poignant picture book, Emilia wishes for all the things she doesn't have, including her own bed, a new car, and nicer clothes. But as she discovers through her mom’s sacrifices, Emilia already has what she needs.

    Emilia wakes up with hot breath in her face and a sharp knee poking her from behind, wishing she had her own bed. Emilia looks out from the back seat of her old car at her neighborhood, wishing she lived on a tree-lined street in a big house with a swimming pool. And when she gets to the rundown strip mall where the thrift shop is—and not the fancy mall across the street—she models clothes for her Mama and sisters, wishing they could all be hers. But money is tight, and Mama works hard, and so she must wait. And when the day finally comes when they can make the last payment on layaway, Emilia realizes that the clothes don’t matter—her Mama’s love and joy and radiance is what does.
      
    Emilia Wishing is a beautiful tale of gratitude, family bonds, and the realization that true wealth lies in the love and sacrifices of those around us.

    Author

    Belen Medina, the daughter of Mexican immigrants, was born and raised in California’s Central Valley. She spent her childhood summers with her extended family in Mexico and has been navigating two cultures her entire life. She is a Lee & Low New Voices Award Honoree and an Ann Paul Whitford Award Honoree. Belen's debut picture book, Daughter of theLight-Footed People: The Story of Indigenous Marathon Champion Lorena Ramírez, received three starred reviews and was named a best book of the year by School Library Journal and the Horn Book.

    Magdalena Mora is a Minneapolis-based illustrator and graphic designer. She has illustrated numerous picture books including Still Dreaming/Seguimos Soñando and The Notebook Keeper, both of which were 2023 Pura Belpre Honor award winners. She is also the illustrator of Barrio Rising, which received two starred reviews. Magdalena grew up between Chicago, Mexico, and California. When not drawing, Magdalena likes reading, people-watching, and trying to find the best tacos in the Twin Cities.
    Belen Medina View titles by Belen Medina
    Magdalena Mora View titles by Magdalena Mora

    Praise

    "An immersive, sharp-eyed appreciation of family bonds." —Kirkus Reviews

    "A perspective-shifting narrative that acknowledges, and appreciates, a mother’s devotion." —Publishers Weekly

    "A heartwarming story about family, love, and the riches that money cannot buy." —Booklist

    Additional formats

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources
    General

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month and addressing student wellness and mental health is critical to help children learn how to manage emotions, develop healthy identities, empathize with peers, and pursue individual goals. We created thematic guides and book lists to help foster important conversations to build an inclusive environment where emotions matter. Explore our social emotional

    Read more

    Mental Health Awareness Month Resources

    General
    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Book covers: 9780593699058 ROAR (PYR) 9780593902813 BING’S CHERRIES (RHCB) 9780241743751 A KID’S BOOK ABOUT FIRST-GENERATION IMMIGRANTS (DK) 9781774882009 BROKEN (Tundra)
    English Language Arts Social Studies & History

    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

    Each May, we honor the stories, histories, and cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Below is a selection of acclaimed fiction and nonfiction books by AANHPI creators to share with your students this month and throughout the year. AANHPI Creators – Elementary School titles  

    Read more

    Books for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

    English Language Arts Social Studies & History

    Penguin Random House Elementary Education

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)