Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Willodeen) through Raincoast Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so.
I have been WAITING for Willodeen to get to the top of my review pile of books. This book was sent to me in the prettiest, most intriguing packaging…I almost thought it was a gift! But alas, not a gift. Once I realized that I was so sure that I had taken pictures of it all, or at least a short video. But find those pictures? Not to be! Growl…. you’ll just have to believe me I guess! 🙂 AND you know what? Willodeen lived up to it’s packaging.
The facts about Willodeen
Children 8-12 years old will enjoy learning about hummingbears and screechers and following the life of Willodeen. Willodeen, a bright young girl, orphan, living with two older ladies, who runs free and rarely attends school. She is a lover of all things in nature, particularly of the unlovable Screechers. This illustrated edition starts off with a bit of a fairytale beginning, but quickly turns into sweet story. The story brings to bear how closely connected we all are with nature, and how upsetting it’s balance is potentially dangerous. Ecology, nature, fantasy, and friendship are all part of this engaging story.
Digging Deeper
The story starts off like this: “The little creature appears late one afternoon on an old carousel in the village of Perchance. She is propped, dazed and damp as a newborn, on the saddle of a wooden unicorn…… Her head turns this way and that. She seems to be in fine condition. But where is she? And more importantly, WHY is she?” And so, we are plunged headlong into Willodeen’s story. As the story continues you learn of the hatred folks hold for the Screechers, and get introduced to the hummingbears which are greatly loved. This dichotomy creates issues that need to be resolved by book’s end.
THIS is a Screecher! Doesn’t the artist do an excellent job of bringing this beastie to life? The illustrations continue randomly throughout the pages. All the illustrations were in grey-scale, and I just love the attention to detail. I’m like the main character, thinking Screechers make for a fascinating beast!
Most chapters are introduced with this tree, though occasionally a snail shows up. If you want to know why a snail, you’ll need to read the story! Snails play an important role for sure!
Most of the time the text is standardized, but when something different is happening, the font changes to highlight that. A very easy read. None of the words are overly complicated, but there is enough challenge to make it interesting. I expected Willodeen to take me 3-4 lunch breaks to read through, but after my first half hour I was hooked and needed to finish it as soon as I got home from work. 🙂
Willodeen, does it belong on your shelves?
I would be happy to give Willodeen as a gift to any nature-loving, mystery intrigued, young person. It would be a fun read-aloud to a group of children.  There is nothing particularly objectionable, the older ladies that Willodeen lives with have a very loving relationship but I don’t recall anything in your face problematic.  It is fun watching this young lady develop friendships (both human and animal) and grow more into herself.Â
I think the age range is appropriate, though I’d be more inclined to present this to a youth 8-10 years old rather than 11-12 given the language and brevity. That said though, I, as an adult, thoroughly enjoyed this book. The freedom granted to Willowdeen so she could explore and learn what she truly needed. She learns the importance of speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves. Following that, the importance of education and friendship.Â
Oh, if you are about to embark on a study of nature or ecosystems or how we need to be careful with the world we live in. This lovely tome would make an excellent introduction to the topic and provide lots of talking points! 🙂Â
I have to admit that the cover was a tad disturbing until I saw the picture you took that showed it a bit differently. I really thought this would be a dark book from that cover. Strange how artwork can completely affect how you see something.
there were parts that could be considered a bit dark…the hatred some held for the screechers, but overall, not a dark or disturbing book at all. I found it a simple, yet well-told story.