Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Fast
- Mood
- Whimsical, Adventurous, Heartwarming, Magical
- Read it if
- You love classic fairy tales and want a fresh, adventurous take on them with a modern twist.
- Skip it if
- You prefer gritty realism or very complex, dark fantasy over whimsical, character-driven adventures.
The Wishing Spell Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
A Difficult Birthday and a Magical Gift
Alex and Conner Bailey are fraternal twins living in modern-day America, dealing with their father's recent death and their mother's long working hours. Alex is a bookish, academically gifted girl, while Conner is more mischievous and a reluctant student. On their twelfth birthday, their grandmother visits and gives them an old storybook, a collection of classic fairy tales, which she calls 'The Land of Stories.' The gift seems ordinary, but Alex quickly discovers that the book hums with a strange energy, and objects placed near it sometimes disappear. She becomes fascinated, while Conner remains skeptical, more concerned with avoiding schoolwork.
Falling into the Fairy Tale World
One evening, after Conner had a particularly bad day at school, Alex experiments with the storybook. She leans too close and tumbles through its pages, landing in a magical forest. Conner, initially thinking she's playing a trick, follows her through the book's portal, finding himself in the same strange world. They quickly realize they have entered the actual Land of Stories, the fairy tale world they've read about. They are awestruck and terrified, realizing the book is not just a collection of stories but a gateway.
Meeting Froggy and the Wishing Spell
Lost in the forest, Alex and Conner stumble upon a talking frog, who introduces himself as Froggy. Froggy, a cursed prince, explains that the only way for them to return to their world is to gather the ingredients for the Wishing Spell. This ancient spell, he reveals, requires eight specific items from across the Land of Stories, each tied to a famous fairy tale. He gives them a list and warns them of the dangers, including various villains and magical creatures. The twins, though daunted, realize this is their only hope.
The First Ingredients: Cinderella's Glass Slipper and Little Red Riding Hood's Basket
Their first stops on the Wishing Spell quest lead them to familiar characters. They visit Cinderella, now Queen of the Charming Kingdom. After some convincing, she reluctantly gives them one of her glass slippers, a crucial ingredient. Next, they seek out Little Red Riding Hood, now a somewhat vain queen in her own kingdom. They manage to acquire a lock of her hair, tied with a ribbon from her iconic basket, fulfilling another requirement. These initial successes give the twins hope, but also show them the eccentricities of their fairy tale heroes.
Trouble with Trolls and Goblins, and the Sleeping Beauty's Spindle
As Alex and Conner continue their journey, they encounter the treacherous troll and goblin species in the Dwarf Forests. They narrowly escape capture multiple times, learning to rely on each other's strengths – Alex's quick thinking and Conner's unexpected bravery. Their next ingredient takes them to the Northern Kingdom, where they must retrieve a spindle from Sleeping Beauty's castle. The castle is still under a magical enchantment, and they must navigate its dangers to find the legendary spindle, a symbol of the curse that once afflicted Princess Aurora.
Rapunzel's Tower and the Snow Queen's Scepter
The quest leads Alex and Conner to Rapunzel's tower, where they must obtain a strand of her famous golden hair. They find Rapunzel, no longer imprisoned, but living a normal life. After explaining their predicament, she kindly provides them with the hair. Their next destination is the Snow Queen's Kingdom, a place of eternal winter. They face freezing temperatures and powerful magic to retrieve her scepter, a symbol of her power. This part of the journey tests their resilience and forces them to confront magical threats directly.
Meeting Goldilocks and the Giant's Harp
Alex and Conner's adventure takes an unexpected turn when they cross paths with Goldilocks, who is no longer the innocent girl from the nursery rhyme. She is now a hardened outlaw, living in the wilderness, having run away from her past. She initially poses a threat but eventually aids them, though reluctantly. Together, they journey to the giant's beanstalk, where they must retrieve the magical harp from the giant's lair. This daring feat requires teamwork and courage, as they navigate the enormous, dangerous world at the top of the beanstalk.
The Evil Queen's Mirror and a Betrayal
The last item on their list is a shard from the Evil Queen's Magic Mirror, a powerful and dangerous artifact. They track it down, but as they are about to retrieve it, Froggy reveals his true identity and a shocking betrayal. He is the Evil Queen's long-lost love, now working with her to gather the Wishing Spell ingredients for her own purposes. The twins are devastated by the deception and realize they are in grave danger, as the Evil Queen plans to use the spell to escape her prison and conquer the Land of Stories.
Confrontation with the Evil Queen
With the Evil Queen now possessing most of the Wishing Spell ingredients, Alex and Conner find themselves in a desperate race against time. They learn that the Queen plans to use the spell to gain ultimate power and potentially invade their own world. They rally the fairy tale characters they've befriended – including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Goldilocks, and even the now-repentant Froggy – to confront the Evil Queen. A climactic battle ensues, with magic, sword fights, and strategic maneuvers as the fate of the Land of Stories hangs in the balance. The twins must use all their wits and courage.
The Final Ingredient and a Sacrifice
During the chaotic confrontation, the twins realize the final ingredient for the Wishing Spell is not an object but a single tear from the person who has lost the most. They initially believe it is one of the fairy tale characters, but it is revealed to be their own grandmother, who arrives in the Land of Stories, having followed them through the book. She reveals she is the Fairy Godmother, and her tear, shed for her lost son (the twins' father), completes the spell. This revelation is a shock, explaining her connection to the book and their world.
Returning Home and a New Understanding
With the Wishing Spell completed by their grandmother, the portal back to their world reopens. Alex and Conner, along with their grandmother, say their goodbyes to the fairy tale characters, promising to visit again. They return to their own home, but they are changed. They have grown, both individually and in their bond as siblings. Conner is no longer just a slacker, and Alex has learned to embrace adventure. They carry the memories and lessons of the Land of Stories with them, knowing that magic exists and their family holds deep secrets.
The Wishing Spell Characters
Alex Bailey
Protagonist
The intelligent, bookish twin who yearns for magic.
Alex is the academically gifted and more serious of the twins. She is highly intelligent, loves to read, and often feels misunderstood by her peers and even her brother. She is initially shy and a bit of a know-it-all but possesses a deep curiosity and an innate belief in magic. Her analytical mind often helps them solve puzzles during their quest, but she also learns the importance of intuition and bravery.
Relationships: Conner Bailey (Fraternal twin, initially competitive but deeply loving and supportive); Grandmother/Fairy Godmother (Her loving grandmother, later revealed to be her magical guardian and a powerful fairy); Froggy (Initial guide, later revealed as a betrayer, then an ally)
Conner Bailey
Protagonist
The mischievous, witty twin who learns the value of bravery.
Conner is the more laid-back, sarcastic, and often mischievous twin. He struggles with school, preferring to tell jokes and entertain others. He is initially skeptical of magic and adventure but proves to be surprisingly brave and quick-witted when faced with danger. His humor often diffuses tense situations, and his practical approach complements Alex's intellectualism.
Relationships: Alex Bailey (Fraternal twin, initially competitive but deeply loving and supportive); Grandmother/Fairy Godmother (His loving grandmother, later revealed to be his magical guardian and a powerful fairy); Froggy (Initial guide, later revealed as a betrayer, then an ally)
Grandmother/Fairy Godmother
Supporting/Mentor
The twins' loving grandmother, secretly the powerful Fairy Godmother.
Initially appearing as a kind, eccentric grandmother, she is later revealed to be the Fairy Godmother, a powerful magical being and the matriarch of the fairy tale world. She is wise, loving, and deeply cares for her grandchildren, subtly guiding them towards their destiny. Her role is crucial in revealing the true nature of the Land of Stories and the Wishing Spell, and her backstory connects directly to the twins' family history.
Relationships: Alex Bailey (Grandmother and magical guardian); Conner Bailey (Grandmother and magical guardian); Evil Queen (Long-standing magical adversary)
Froggy
Supporting/Antagonist
A cursed prince who guides the twins, then betrays them.
Froggy is a talking frog who befriends Alex and Conner, providing them with the list for the Wishing Spell and acting as their initial guide. He is knowledgeable about the Land of Stories and appears helpful. However, he is secretly the cursed Prince Charlie, the Evil Queen's long-lost love, manipulated by her into helping gather the ingredients. He is conflicted but ultimately chooses loyalty to the Queen before regretting his actions.
Relationships: Alex Bailey (Initial guide, later betrayed, then ally); Conner Bailey (Initial guide, later betrayed, then ally); Evil Queen (Cursed by her, but also her long-lost love and unwilling accomplice)
Evil Queen
Antagonist
The classic villain, imprisoned and seeking freedom and power.
The iconic villain from Snow White, the Evil Queen is imprisoned in a magical dimension but is actively working to escape and regain her power. She is cunning, manipulative, and ruthless, using Froggy and others to gather the Wishing Spell ingredients for her own nefarious purposes. Her ultimate goal is to conquer the Land of Stories and potentially the twins' world, driven by a desire for revenge and ultimate control.
Relationships: Froggy (Her long-lost love, whom she manipulates); Fairy Godmother (Her magical adversary)
Goldilocks
Supporting
A hardened outlaw seeking her own path.
Goldilocks is no longer the innocent girl who stumbled into the bears' house. She is now a fierce, independent outlaw, having left her past behind. She is skilled with a sword and resourceful, living off the land. She initially confronts the twins but eventually, after hearing their story, decides to help them, showing a surprising moral compass beneath her tough exterior.
Relationships: Alex Bailey (Temporary ally); Conner Bailey (Temporary ally)
Cinderella
Supporting
The kind and regal Queen of the Charming Kingdom.
Cinderella is now the Queen of the Charming Kingdom, married to Prince Charming. She is kind, compassionate, and regal, still embodying the grace and goodness from her original story. She is one of the first fairy tale characters the twins encounter, and she provides them with one of the Wishing Spell ingredients, demonstrating her willingness to help those in need.
Relationships: Alex Bailey (Benefactor); Conner Bailey (Benefactor)
Little Red Riding Hood
Supporting
The vain and dramatic Queen of the Red Riding Hood Kingdom.
Little Red Riding Hood is now a queen, but she is portrayed as somewhat vain, dramatic, and preoccupied with appearances. Despite her superficiality, she is still a good person at heart. She reluctantly provides an ingredient for the Wishing Spell, showcasing her unique personality within the fairy tale world.
Relationships: Alex Bailey (Benefactor); Conner Bailey (Benefactor)
The Wishing Spell Themes
The Power of Storytelling and Imagination
The main theme is the power of stories. The book itself is a portal, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Alex and Conner literally step into the stories they've read, discovering that these tales are not just narratives but living histories with real consequences. The twins' journey shows how stories shape our understanding of the world, inspire courage, and can even change our reality. Conner's initial skepticism turns to wonder, while Alex's love for books is validated by her adventures, proving that imagination holds great power.
“There is more to a story than what is written on the page.”
Family and Sibling Bonds
The relationship between Alex and Conner is central to the narrative. Despite their differences and occasional squabbles, their bond as siblings is unbreakable and essential for their survival. They learn to rely on each other's unique strengths – Alex's intelligence and Conner's wit and bravery. The revelation of their grandmother's true identity as the Fairy Godmother further deepens the theme of family, showing that their lineage is intertwined with the magical world. The shared experience of grief over their father's death also strengthens their connection, and the adventure helps them heal.
“They were twins, after all, and they had a connection that went deeper than blood.”
Growing Up and Self-Discovery
The twins' adventure in the Land of Stories is a coming-of-age journey. Alex, initially timid and overly reliant on books, learns to be brave, assertive, and trust her instincts. Conner, who often used humor and mischief to avoid responsibility, discovers his own courage, resourcefulness, and unexpected intelligence. They both confront their fears, make difficult decisions, and learn to navigate a dangerous world, ultimately returning home as more mature, confident, and self-aware individuals. The challenges they face force them to understand their own capabilities beyond their previous perceptions.
“Sometimes the greatest adventures are the ones you never intended to have.”
Good vs. Evil and Moral Ambiguity
While the core conflict is clearly good versus evil with the Evil Queen as the antagonist, the book also explores shades of gray. Characters like Goldilocks, an outlaw who ultimately helps the twins, or Froggy, who betrays them out of love but later regrets it, show that not everyone fits neatly into hero or villain categories. The fairy tale characters themselves are portrayed with more depth and flaws than their traditional depictions, highlighting that even heroes can be vain or eccentric. This adds complexity to the familiar fairy tale world, teaching the twins that judgment should be nuanced.
“Not all villains are born evil. Some are made.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Land of Stories Book
A magical portal and artifact that transports the twins.
The eponymous book serves as the primary plot device, acting as a gateway between the modern world and the fairy tale realm. It is not just a collection of stories but a living, breathing artifact with magical properties, capable of interdimensional travel. Its existence propels the entire narrative, forcing Alex and Conner into their adventure and serving as the key to their return. The book symbolizes the power of imagination and the hidden magic within ordinary objects.
The Wishing Spell
A magical quest for ingredients to grant a wish.
The Wishing Spell is the central quest-driving plot device. It provides a clear objective for Alex and Conner: gather eight specific, rare ingredients from across the Land of Stories to activate a spell that can grant any wish – in their case, to go home. This device dictates their journey, introduces them to various fairy tale characters, and forces them into dangerous situations, allowing for episodic adventures and character development as they encounter each requirement.
The Magic Mirror
A powerful magical artifact used for communication and scrying.
The Magic Mirror, traditionally associated with the Evil Queen, functions as a powerful scrying and communication device. It allows the Evil Queen to observe the outside world and communicate with her allies, including Froggy. A shard of the mirror is also an ingredient for the Wishing Spell, making it a critical item. Its power is immense, capable of showing distant events and reflecting truths, making it a dangerous tool in the hands of villains and a valuable asset for the heroes.
Fairy Tale Archetypes (Subverted)
Classic fairy tale characters presented with updated, complex personalities.
This device involves taking well-known fairy tale characters (Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, etc.) and presenting them with modern, sometimes flawed, and more complex personalities than their traditional archetypes. Cinderella is a kind queen, but Red Riding Hood is vain, and Goldilocks is an outlaw. This subversion adds humor, realism, and unexpected depth to the magical world, preventing it from being a simplistic retelling and making the characters more relatable and surprising to the twins and the reader.
The Wishing Spell Quotes
“There is nothing more important than a good story.”
“Sometimes the best way to solve a problem is to make it worse.”
“Every villain is a hero in their own story.”
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
“The only way to truly fail is to give up.”
“A good laugh can solve a lot of problems.”
“Not every adventure is about finding treasure; some are about finding yourself.”
“Magic isn't about what you see; it's about what you believe.”
“Courage isn't the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.”
“Sometimes the best magic is the magic we make ourselves.”
“Never underestimate the power of a good disguise.”
“The world is full of wonders, if only you bother to look.”
“Being a hero isn't about being perfect; it's about doing the right thing, even when it's hard.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What gift does Alex and Conner's grandmother give them for their twelfth birthday?
- A new video game console
- A trip to a theme park
- An old storybook
- Money for their college fund
Show answer
C. An old storybook Their grandmother gives them an old, cherished storybook, which turns out to be 'The Land of Stories' and their portal to the fairy tale world.
Question 2
What is the primary object Alex and Conner must collect to activate 'The Wishing Spell'?
- Seven magical gems
- Eight items from different fairy tales
- A dragon's scale
- The tears of a mermaid
Show answer
B. Eight items from different fairy tales To activate 'The Wishing Spell', Alex and Conner must gather eight specific items from various fairy tales across the Land of Stories.
Question 3
Which fairy tale character helps Alex and Conner early in their quest by giving them a map?
- Little Red Riding Hood
- Goldilocks
- Froggy (Prince Charlie)
- Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk)
Show answer
C. Froggy (Prince Charlie) Froggy, who is actually Prince Charlie under a curse, provides Alex and Conner with a map to help them on their journey.
Question 4
What is the first item Alex and Conner successfully retrieve for 'The Wishing Spell'?
- Cinderella's glass slipper
- A lock of Rapunzel's hair
- The Cape of Courage from Little Red Riding Hood
- A piece of the Sleeping Beauty's spindle
Show answer
C. The Cape of Courage from Little Red Riding Hood The first item they obtain is Little Red Riding Hood's Cape of Courage, after helping her deal with the Big Bad Wolf's pack.
Question 5
Why is the Evil Queen's magic mirror crucial for 'The Wishing Spell'?
- It shows the future
- It contains the last tear of a mermaid
- It is the final item needed and also reveals the location of the other items
- It can transport them back to their world directly
Show answer
C. It is the final item needed and also reveals the location of the other items The Evil Queen's magic mirror is not only the final item for the spell but also served as the source of information for finding all the other items, as it could reveal their locations.
Question 6
What is the main reason Alex and Conner want to return to their own world?
- They miss their friends and school
- They are being hunted by the Big Bad Wolf
- They want to find their father's lost journal
- They miss their mother and their normal life
Show answer
D. They miss their mother and their normal life Their primary motivation throughout the adventure is to get back home to their mother, who is grieving their father's death.
Question 7
Which character is revealed to be the twins' grandmother?
- The Fairy Godmother
- Queen Cinderella
- Mama Bear
- The Enchantress
Show answer
A. The Fairy Godmother It is revealed at the end of the book that their grandmother is actually the legendary Fairy Godmother from the fairy tale world.
Question 8
What specific item from Cinderella's story do the twins need for 'The Wishing Spell'?
- Her glass slipper
- Her crown
- A tear from her first true love
- A piece of her wedding dress
Show answer
C. A tear from her first true love They need a tear from Cinderella's first true love, which is Prince Charming, as an ingredient for the spell.
Question 9
What significant event occurs with the Evil Queen at the end of the book?
- She escapes to the human world
- She is defeated and turned into stone
- She is captured by the Fairy Council
- She makes peace with Snow White
Show answer
C. She is captured by the Fairy Council At the climax, the Evil Queen is captured and taken into custody by the Fairy Council, preventing her from using 'The Wishing Spell' for her own nefarious purposes.
Question 10
What is the underlying theme regarding the power of stories explored in the book?
- Stories are only for children and have no real-world impact.
- Stories can physically transport people to other dimensions.
- Stories contain magic and can shape reality, blurring the lines between fiction and truth.
- Stories are best left in books and not interacted with.
Show answer
C. Stories contain magic and can shape reality, blurring the lines between fiction and truth. The book emphasizes that stories, especially fairy tales, are not just fiction but living narratives with real magic and consequences, capable of affecting and even creating worlds.
The Wishing Spell FAQ
What is the central premise of 'The Wishing Spell'?
The central premise involves twin siblings, Alex and Conner Bailey, who are transported from their modern world into the Land of Stories, a magical realm where classic fairy tale characters and their descendants live. They must navigate this unfamiliar world to find a way back home, which involves collecting items for the Wishing Spell.
Who are the main protagonists, and what are their key personality traits?
The main protagonists are Alex and Conner Bailey. Alex is studious, organized, and a bit of a know-it-all with a deep love for fairy tales, often taking charge. Conner is more laid-back, humorous, and initially skeptical, preferring to tell jokes and avoid serious work, but proves resourceful and brave.
What is the 'Wishing Spell,' and why is it crucial to the plot?
The Wishing Spell is a powerful magical enchantment that can grant any wish, including a wish to return home. It is crucial because Alex and Conner believe it's their only way back to their own world, leading them on a dangerous quest to collect its eight required ingredients across the Land of Stories.
Which classic fairy tale characters do Alex and Conner encounter first?
Alex and Conner first encounter Froggy, who is later revealed to be Prince Charlie, the charming prince cursed to live as a frog. They also quickly meet Goldilocks, who has become a hardened outlaw, and Cinderella, who is now a queen.
What is the primary antagonist's goal in the story?
The primary antagonist is the Evil Queen, who has escaped from prison and seeks to reclaim her former power and exact revenge on those who wronged her, particularly Snow White. She is also trying to gather the Wishing Spell ingredients for her own nefarious purposes.
What is the significance of the book 'The Land of Stories' itself?
The physical book 'The Land of Stories' is more than just a story collection; it's a magical portal. It serves as the gateway that transports Alex and Conner into the fairy tale world, hinting at a deeper connection between their family and this magical realm.
Are there any subtle clues about the twins' heritage or connection to the fairy tale world early on?
Yes, their grandmother's deep knowledge of the fairy tale world and her mysterious connection to the book are subtle clues. Additionally, Alex's natural affinity for magic and her ability to understand the creatures hint at a lineage beyond just being readers.
How does the author subtly foreshadow the true identity of Froggy?
The author foreshadows Froggy's true identity by describing his gentlemanly demeanor, his eloquent speech, and his deep sadness about his current state. His intimate knowledge of the royal families and the history of the Land of Stories also hints at his noble origins.
What hidden connection exists between the Evil Queen and the twins' grandmother?
It is revealed that the twins' grandmother is the Fairy Godmother, who was responsible for imprisoning the Evil Queen in the first place. This creates a direct, long-standing conflict between their family and the antagonist, adding a personal stake to the quest.
How do Alex and Conner's differing personalities contribute to their survival and success?
Alex's intelligence, planning, and knowledge of fairy tales often guide their path, while Conner's quick wit, adaptability, and ability to charm or distract with humor get them out of sticky situations. Their combined strengths, balancing logic with improvisation, make them an effective team.
Discuss the psychological impact of being suddenly thrust into a dangerous, magical world on Alex.
Alex initially thrives on the adventure, fueled by her love for fairy tales, but also experiences significant fear and anxiety due to the real dangers. She feels immense pressure to lead and protect Conner, causing her to mature quickly and take on a heavy burden of responsibility.
How does Conner's initial skepticism and cynicism evolve throughout the journey?
Conner's initial skepticism gradually gives way to belief and a deeper appreciation for the magic and wonder of the Land of Stories. The constant dangers and the need to protect Alex force him to shed his cynical facade, revealing his bravery and loyalty, transforming him into a true hero.
What role does the theme of 'family' play in the emotional journey of the twins?
The theme of family is central, as the twins are driven by the desire to return to their mother, and their bond as siblings strengthens significantly through shared peril. They also discover their grandmother's true identity, expanding their understanding of their own family's legacy and connection to the magical world.
Is the portrayal of classic fairy tale characters in 'The Wishing Spell' primarily respectful or revisionist?
The portrayal is largely revisionist, taking familiar characters and giving them modern personalities and complex backstories. For example, Goldilocks is an outlaw, Cinderella is a queen with responsibilities, and Sleeping Beauty is a wise ruler, adding depth and new perspectives to their traditional roles.
What message does the book convey about the power of stories and imagination?
The book strongly conveys that stories and imagination hold immense power, not only to entertain but also to create entire worlds and influence reality. It suggests that the tales we read can come alive and that believing in magic is essential to experiencing it.
How does the book blend elements of traditional fairy tales with a modern sensibility?
The book blends traditional fairy tale elements like magical creatures, enchanted objects, and clear good-versus-evil narratives with a modern sensibility through its protagonists' contemporary dialogue, pop culture references, and nuanced characterizations of classic figures. It grounds the fantastical in relatable sibling dynamics and challenges.
Does 'The Wishing Spell' offer any commentary on the nature of good and evil?
Yes, it subtly comments on good and evil by showing that even 'evil' characters like the Evil Queen have complex motivations, such as heartbreak and a desire for revenge, rather than being purely malevolent. It also demonstrates that 'good' characters can be flawed or make difficult choices.
What is the significance of the Fairy Godmother's secret identity and her eventual reveal?
The Fairy Godmother's secret identity as the twins' grandmother is highly significant because it connects Alex and Conner directly to the magical world and its history, explaining their innate abilities and destiny. Her reveal solidifies their place in the Land of Stories and sets up future adventures.
About the author
Chris Colfer is a New York Times bestselling author and Golden Globe-winning actor, best known for his role as Kurt Hummel on the television series Glee. He is the author of the Land of Stories series, a popular middle-grade fantasy collection that includes titles such as "The Wishing Spell" and "The Enchantress Returns." His work often blends fairy tales with modern storytelling, captivating young readers worldwide.
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