Wish Upon a Star


Context #1 

Mother and 4-year-old son are talking

Mom: Did you like the movie, Pinocchio?
Johnny: Yes, I did. I especially like Jiminy Cricket! He’s funny!
Mom: Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Johnny: Mommy, you know that song that Jiminy Cricket sings in the movie? What does “wish upon a star” mean?
Mother: Well, when you look up in the sky at night and you see the first star, make a wish.  Then, your wish is supposed to come true. 
Johnny: So, when you wish upon a star, your dreams come true?
Mom: Well, let’s try it and find out!


Context #2 

A little girl is talking to her teacher at school

Samantha: I really wish that I get an A on this spelling test. It would make my grandpa so happy!
Teacher: Well, Samantha, you are 5 years old now and a big girl. If you studied, you will do just fine. Don’t worry.
Samantha: Do you know what I did last night?
Teacher: What?
Teacher: I decided to wish upon a star, the first star I saw, to be sure that I would get an A!

Meaning: To wish upon a star often refers to making a wish after seeing the first star in the sky at night. Many children believe that if you wish upon a star, your wish will come true.


"When You Wish upon a Star" is a song written for Walt Disney’s 1940 adaption of Pinocchio. The original version was sung by Cliff Edwards in the character of Jiminy Cricket. The song has since become the representative song of The Walt Disney Company.  It is also popular at Christmas time. Check out Jiminy Cricket performing this song in the film Pinocchio. See the link below: When You Wish Upon a Star