The Seventh Birthday Wish is a children’s picture book written by Bruce E. Arrington and illustrated by Florence Jayne. Wesley was incredibly excited about waking up that morning. He was finally seven years old, and the magic door would open for him at last. He had wondered what was on the other side of that door ever since it first appeared when he turned four. Now, he could see the handle; it was golden and, when he turned the knob, the door opened with a rush and a sound that seemed like a roar.
The Seventh Birthday Wish, is a moving fantasy story about a small boy’s rite of passage as he turns seven, and one can’t help but get excited for him as he surveys the new and limitless world that awaits him. I especially liked the choices Arrington gives young Wesley, and the boy’s subsequent decision to interact freely with the wild and flying horses he discovers. Florence Jayne’s illustrations are marvelous! Each panel is brightly colored, and her use of watercolor washes gives dimension and vitality to the scenes she creates. This tale celebrates a child’s first rite of passage and illustrates most eloquently why force is never the solution, even when you really desire something.
— Courtesy of Jack Magnus, Reader’s Favorite
International Versions
Sample Pictures
Teacher Corner
Creative Writing & Imagination Ideas for Teachers
Here is a structured, creative menu of classroom activities tailored for teachers to use after reading The Seventh Birthday Wish. These target core themes from Wesley’s journey: kindness, overcoming greed, choices, and imagination.
- The Magic Door Design: Wesley waits years for his magic door to open. Have students draw their own “Magic Door” and write a paragraph detailing what fantastical world is waiting on the other side.
- The Alternative Gift: Wesley goes on a massive adventure, meets flying horses, and chooses his final wish. Ask students to write a short sequel where Wesley turns eight and enters a completely different portal.
About the Author
Bruce Arrington:
Authored 19 books (48 if you count the foreign-language editions), including the illustrated children’s Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Birthday Wish books.
Graduated from Oregon State University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science.
Worked in wildlife biology in North Dakota, Oregon, and Florida, for a total of 15 years.
Taught in a K-12 charter school for 16 years.
Earned his Master of Arts in Teaching and teaches Physical Education.
Ziplined in the tropics of Costa Rica and Mexico and can’t wait to do it again.
