half-magic

I recently re-read Half Magic, a delightful children's book from my childhood that I just learned is from 1954. It features a magic talisman that grants half of what is wished for. For what would you wish?

• That there would be a fire2
• To be home
• That the cat could speak4
• To be on a desert island
• To travel back in time twice as far as medieval times, compete in two jousting tournaments, and complete two good deeds1
• That the statue of the iron dog on the corner might be twice as alive or un-alive as it wishes to be1