Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc
This is a wonderful book that teaches children that while change can be scary, it might be worth it if you go through the change with someone you love. This book also showcases a very special relationship between a father and daughter, and I think children will find this to be charming. The illustrations in this book are also sure to put a smile on your face.

A little girl and her dad move in to a new apartment. They have a birthday party for the apartment and her dad lets her make three wishes. They paint her room, bring in plants, and explore the new neighborhood but she secretly wishes they could just go back to their old home. This is a sweet, relatable story of missing home and the lengths a loving father will go to make his child feel safe.

Touching and sweet, I think this book will resonate with young readers and their caregivers. Great reminder for all of us that change is hard but it helps to have someone help you manage big feelings and feel safe. Beautifully detailed artwork.

A little girl and her dad move to a new apartment and the little girl struggles with the change. The dad does a great job caring for his grieving daughter. The book was entertaining enough for my 3yo, but it was mostly over her head about what was really going on. I think it would be sweet for any kids who have experienced similar changes.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Once I saw Rebecca Stead’s name, I couldn’t hit the request button quickly enough!

This one is adorable but bittersweet. A little girl and her father are celebrating their new apartment’s birthday. When her father suggests she wish for “anything” when she blows out the candles, the little girl wishes for “three anythings.” The first is a rainbow, which her father immediately paints on her wall. But the rest are harder, mostly because she wishes they didn’t have to move at all. It’s a picture book, so there’s no backstory on why they had to move, or what might have happened to mom, or how much had to change. The little girl is mature enough to know that what she wants isn’t possible, so she asks for tangible things, like the world’s biggest slice of pizza. Ultimately, her father helps her come to terms with their new living situation (when she asks to “go home,” he carries her on a ride around the new apartment until she falls asleep).

The illustrations are really striking - mostly black and white, but with pops of blue, yellow, red, and green. Another one I’m excited to see in print!

I love the impact of the illustrations, grayscale at the beginning with bright color slowly being introduced. I often see stories that show the sadness and heartbreak of the child moving away, this book is unique in how it shows the adjustment to the new home. I felt sadness along with the child and tenderness towards the Dad. What a special bond they have! Wonderful read, definitely a book to have in the home library.

Love makes tough times easier in this very sweet story of a father and daughter who have just moved to a new apartment. So often, books with a "new home" theme assume that children are moving to a new house—so the urban setting makes this one stand out. Charming illustrations by Gracey Zhang perfectly match the voice of Rebecca Stead's writing.

Beautifully, wonderfully simple. The words are simple, but powerful and full of emotion. The illustrator does a perfect job of illustrating color and drawings placed in the right way to empower the words of this wonderfully simple story.

A very sweet story about a dad/daughter moving into a new apartment. Dad gets the apartment a birthday cake and daughter can make three "anything wishes". The illustrations are cute and dad's desire to make them comfortable in their new apartment despite a little kids anxiety around being in a new place.

Very cute story!

A young girl and her dad move into a new apartment. Her dad gets a cake to celebrate the apartment’s zero years birthday, and the girls is told she can wish for three anythings.
The author does a good job of exploring the sad emotions of moving and missing your old home, and the cozy illustrations pair very well with the story.

Anything is what the little girl is told she can wish for. Three anythings. The girl and her father have moved to a new apartment and is trying to ease her transition with cake and a candle. Some of her wishes her dad makes happen but the ones she holds inside do not come true.
An interesting read, but it did leave me wondering why that had to move.

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this DRC.
#Anything #NetGalley

This is a sweet story that explores the effects of moving to a new apartment from a young child's perspective. Rebecca Stead (best known for her middle-grade titles) handled the emotions of this young girl well as the girl was struggling with missing her old home. Readers really get a sense of the emotional connection the girl has with her dad. He encourages her to find things to like about their new home and also validates her hesitation about the move. It's a perfect conversation starter about moving for families or classrooms with young kids, but it could also be a tool for discussing other big life changes in a way that kids can identify with easily.

I appreciated the intentional use of color by illustrator Gracey Zhang and how the pages became more colorful as the story went on to help readers visualize the progression of the daughter's feelings about the move and how she's settling into her new home.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.

I received this e-book from NetGalley and Chronicle Books in exchange for an honest review.

Change is the theme of "Anything". Children have a hard time adjusting to change, especially when they are young. To ease the transition to their new home, the father made a birthday cake for the little girl to celebrate their first day there. Her father had placed a candle on the cake and told her she could wish for anything. A little girl asked, "How many anythings can I wish for?" Her father said three. She wanted a rainbow in her room as her first wish. Several of her next wishes did not come true, including the height of the slide in the park across from their new apartment. Because she was very hungry, her next wish was for a HUGE piece of pizza. On Thursdays she has to take a bath, so her last wish was that it wasn't Thursday. It was not Thursday, as Daddy announced. The little girl became sad again when it was time to go to sleep because she missed her old house. Then her daddy had another surprise in store for her.

The book was beautifully written. Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

When a young girl and her father move into Apartment 3B, they celebrate their new beginning with a birthday cake for their home. As the girl gets ready to blow out the candle, her father encourages her to make a wish—anything she desires (a nod to the book’s title). To say more would take away from the charm of this enchanting picture book, which tenderly explores what makes a place truly feel like home. This touching story is sure to resonate with both children and adults alike. The illustrations are darling, the colors bright, and the narrative voice both approachable and clear for the sake of children reading and understanding the story. The ending did feel a bit abrupt, but don't let this take away from looking further of the title appeals.

I’m batting 1000% with author Rebecca Stead: When You Reach Me, Liar and Spy, Bob and The List of Things That Will Not Change rank amongst the best books I’ve ever read. Not best children’s books. Best books.

Now Stead branches out with this picture book, one perfectly illustrated by Gracey Zhang. When a girl and her father move into Apartment 3B, they celebrate with a birthday cake for their new home. What will the daughter wish for on the candle? Dad tells her to wish for anything (ergo, the book title). To tell any more would ruin this wonderful picture book that discusses the true nature of home. Adults will love this book as much as the kids do.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Chronicle Books in exchange for an honest review.

"Rainbow is my favorite color" -- I love this. The artwork in this book is incredibly unique! I am def a 'daddy's little girl' so I was obviously in love with this story. It was very very sweet!

Anything, by Rebecca Stead, is a very cozy book about a kid who moves to a new apartment and misses their old home. Her dad is so patient as he helps her get used to the changes. The art in this book is familiar but fresh, and it feels like a book you could really enjoy reading to a class of kindergartens or first graders. Very good!

As a parent of a young child, this really hit home. I absolutely loved the artwork in this and loved the use of black and white with the splash of color. This reminded me so much of the books I used to grow up reading, especially with the type of drawings. I am so impressed with this and absolutely loved the story. I would love to get a physical copy to read to my son when he gets a little bit older.

This beautifully crafted children’s book captures the essence of change—its initial uncertainty and the blossoming hope that follows. The narrative follows a little girl navigating the intimidating feelings of change, perfectly mirrored by the artwork that evolves from a subdued greyscale to a vibrant, rich palette. This transformation is not just visually stunning; it symbolically represents the journey from fear to optimism.

At the heart of the story is the extraordinary bond between a loving father and his imaginative daughter. From the very beginning, her father’s support is palpable as he encourages her to make wishes, offering a world where she can choose “anything.” His ability to adapt and provide reassurance provides not only comfort but also an empowering message: even when change seems overwhelming, there is beauty and possibility waiting on the other side.

This book is an inspiring resource for children experiencing uncertainty—whether due to big life changes or moving to a new place. It gently reassures young readers that while change can be scary, it also opens up a world of color, opportunity, and personal growth. A must-read for families seeking a heartfelt story that celebrates resilience, love, and the magic of possibility.

This charming picture book tells the heartwarming story of a young girl struggling to feel secure in her new home. With sensitivity and warmth, her father reassures her by engaging in her imaginative concerns while maintaining a respectful and understanding tone. The narrative beautifully captures the emotional challenges of moving and adjusting to a new environment, making it highly relatable for young readers. The illustrations are vibrant and cheerful, adding energy to the story, though at times they may compete with the text for attention. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to libraries and classrooms, offering a thoughtful exploration of the uncertainties that come with change and the comfort of parental support.

A heartwarming story of a little girl and her dad, on their first day together in a new apartment. I loved this simple, sweet story, especially reading it to my daughter shortly after we moved (and she asked for a rainbow in her new room). Highly recommend with happy tears in my eyes.

Rebecca Stead’s Anything is a beautifully tender picture book about change, wishes, and the love between a father and daughter. Moving to a new home can be overwhelming, and Stead captures that uncertainty with warmth and honesty. The story follows a young girl whose dad gives her “three Anythings” to wish for on her birthday—yet the wish she holds closest to her heart is one she struggles to say out loud.

Gracey Zhang’s expressive illustrations perfectly complement Stead’s gentle storytelling, bringing emotion and whimsy to the journey. This book is a wonderful choice for children navigating big transitions, offering reassurance that home isn’t just a place—it’s the love and connection we carry with us. A heartfelt, magical read that belongs on every library shelf.

Recommended for: Kids facing change, families looking for a meaningful read-aloud, and anyone who believes in the power of a wish.

Ok, not me being emotional about this one. I was raised by a single father, so the book put me right back there, especially the breakfast and how silly dads can be when they try to find comfort for their children. Perfect book for a kid getting used to a new home.

Being thrust into change is hard for most people but most especially a child. Even when you attempt to make their new space cozy with all of their creature comforts, new wall color, or favorite meal, they’ll still grieve and miss their previous home, friends and family, and things that couldn’t be brought to the new place. Anything was a sweet exchange between a sad child and her hopeful father. He attempts to make everything right but no matter who cheery he made things, there was gloomy and doom. As he transported her to her home, a long ride through the new apartment, all of the fears and sounds and smells start to become acceptable and comforting. The imagery was lovely and welcoming, like we were part of the neighborhood looking through the window past the street and into Apartment 3B.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this picture book in exchange for an honest review.

A sweet and simple book about a loving father and daughter. These books always get me in the feels because I'm a daddy's girl. Perfect for Father's Day, or any time of year.

This is a wonderful story about a little girl who is having trouble adjusting to a move and how her father helps. My favorite part was when he was granting wishes. The use of color was amazing, with splashes of color in different places.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

This book tells the story of a little girl and her dad moving into a new apartment. We don’t know why they are moving or if there’s a mom in the picture… there is no backstory at all. It’s simply about a little girl trying to cope with her new situation while wishing she could stay in the home she grew up in.

The dad in this book is phenomenal, and his actions made me tear up more than once. He clearly recognizes his daughter’s pain so he offers her three wishes, telling her she can wish for anything (thus the title of the book). Her wishes range from easy tasks to impossible ones, but he handles her wishes in a way that absolutely touched my heart.

The illustrations are childlike, very pure and simple, and they made me feel like I was seeing the story through the girl’s eyes. The images were primarily black and white, but with bursts of color throughout, which appeared to be dependent on the girl’s current thoughts. The colors and illustrations absolutely enhanced the reading experience.

I love picture books about dads and daughters. I wish more books celebrated great dads, because they absolutely do exist.

This is a simple yet powerful book. Don’t be surprised if a tear appears in the corner of your eye as you read it.

Thank you @netgalley and Chronicle Books for an eARC of this book, which I have read and reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

This is a great story that will come in handy for kids who might be nervous about a move. I loved the father and child relationship and appreciate that the child is wishing for things they can't have, but understands that those things aren't possible. The father is able to provide fun things that fulfill even imaginative wishes. The illustrations are attractive and fun. Color is used really well, splashing across the page when the parent and child are having fun, and disappearing when things are scary or sad.

The story is touching. The father celebrating a new life in a new apartment with the birthday cake. It shows the mixed feelings the girl has with the new changes. It is a good book to show children that change can be hard and you can still miss the old but the new can be exciting and positive as well.

Anything by Rebecca Stead is a truly heartwarming, tender picture book that beautifully captures the complexities of change, family love, and the power of wishes. Illustrated by Gracey Zhang, the book is a delightful visual treat, with illustrations that bring the story’s emotions to life. The combination of Stead’s thoughtful, lyrical writing and Zhang’s vibrant artwork makes this book a perfect read for young readers, as well as a wonderful tool for parents or caregivers navigating the sometimes difficult conversations around moving and new beginnings.

The story centers on a father and daughter who are settling into a new apartment. In an effort to help his daughter adjust to the change, the father tells her she can wish for anything—three wishes, to be exact. What follows is a series of sweet, whimsical wishes, like a rainbow and the world’s biggest slice of pizza, but as the day unfolds, we see that the daughter’s heart longs for a return to their old home. The emotional depth of her unspoken wish, and her eventual ability to voice it, underscores the book’s powerful message about the vulnerability it takes to express what we truly need.

What I particularly loved about Anything was the way it painted such a beautiful, loving portrait of a father-daughter relationship. The dad is tender and patient, not just fulfilling his daughter’s wishes, but guiding her through the emotional process of embracing the new while holding onto cherished memories. By the end, there’s a lovely moment where the daughter is able to grant her father’s wish—something small but deeply meaningful—offering a sense of full-circle emotional connection that resonates with readers of all ages.

The idea that a wish—especially one spoken aloud—can hold great power is at the heart of the story. It’s not just about asking for things; it’s about expressing our desires and fears, our hopes and our doubts. And sometimes, simply voicing a wish is the first step toward finding a new sense of home, happiness, or comfort. The book gently reminds readers that embracing change, while scary, can lead to surprising moments of connection and growth.

Anything is a celebration of big feelings, and its soothing tone makes it an ideal read for children experiencing any form of transition—be it moving to a new house, starting a new school, or dealing with a life change. It offers reassurance that it’s okay to feel sad or uncertain, but that with love, patience, and a little imagination, new beginnings can be filled with wonder and hope.

This book is pure magic and will undoubtedly stay with readers long after they turn the last page. Whether it’s the enchanting story, the beautifully drawn illustrations, or the powerful emotional core, Anything is a must-have for any young reader’s collection.

Netgalley ARC- books about moving are hard for me, but this one was well done. It doesn't shy away from the confusion or sense of displacement, but it makes room for comfort and acceptance of change along side those feelings.

I love the illustrations and the moody feel that the author evokes, as a little girl and her dad move into a new apartment. It felt like perhaps her parents have divorced, and this was her dad's new place, but the love she has for her father and the comfort he brings is strong enough to overcome any challenges.

I thought this was a fantastic book for children to feel seen when they are uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or even afraid. The security that the father provides is very reassuring. I also liked that not all of her wishes came true, and that was ok.