BOOK REVIEWS

Title: Willow

Illustrator: Cyd Moore

"In dictatorial Miss Hawthorn's cheerless art room, students sit 'in their rows, silent and still, like eggs in a carton' producing cookie-cutter busywork. 'Everyone except Willow.' Miss Hawthorn does not appreciate Willow's sweet nature or her inventive, colorful outlook on life. Willow is always in trouble with her wizened teacher, especially 'for not painting things the way Miss Hawthorn wanted her to.' When she tries to share her artistic excitement via a well-loved art book full of flamingo-pink trees, blue apples and other works of wonder, Miss Hawthorn rebuffs her. 'Horrid little girl.' But stony Miss Hawthorn is transformed by a holiday gift-the only one she receives-of that treasured art book, and when her students return after the holidays, they find a very different teacher, indeed. Motivational speaker Brennan-Nelson's message hits its mark, and Moore's energetic watercolors fairly vibrate — Willow would approve! Pair this with Peter Reynolds's The Dot (2003) and Paul Zelinsky's Doodler Doodling (2004) for an outside-the-lines art experience."

     Kirkus Reviews

"I had a narrow escape with this book today. Beloved guest blogger and art teacher Julie was looking at Willow with me during my workshop when I suddenly remembered how much I LOVE this book and I was afraid she'd ask me if she could keep it. I can't help it, if she'd asked me, I would have HAD to give her this book. But, I love it. I discovered tonight how much I enjoyed even the end pages. Every time I read it, I discover something new. Aha! There's an illuminated letter. Wow! Look at those colors that would make David Catrow smile. 'Yes, reader, you are right. Julie could use this book in all her art classes and it would be a hit. In fact, this might go in the permanent substitute file in the office as one of the spare lesson plans to always have on hand for the art program. No? You're right, you want to make sure it's read, not left to chance. 'Julie deserves this book because she understands all the art references in it. But then, I could have students research and find out to what all those references refer. Besides the art teacher looks more like me than Julie. At least when she is pretty she looks more like me. Not when she is wearing dark clothes, has her hair tight in a bun, and has 'moods... as dark as her clothing.' Nope, I never let any of you see my hair in a bun, that's my weekend only disguise. Although..., Miss Hawthorn does mutter 'Horrid little girl' with such feeling, that I think I could dramatically pretend to be her. 'Julie and I discussed the dreaded art teacher in this book who insists that everyone draw exactly as she wishes and to keep the art room tidy and neat. Julie is quite beautiful and not at all mean. So I asked her, 'Have you ever seen an art teacher as mean and dreadful as this?' 'Julie said she has many art teacher friends and NONE of them are like that, but she has heard of one or two like this from 'friends & family.' Are there really dreaded art teachers out there? Or is this a school version urban legend?

In the meantime, I'm going to curl up and re-read this book again before Julie remembers and calls for it. Thank you, Cyd Moore for the great illustrations. I hope to see many more Moore books soon."

     Diane Chen
     School Library Journal

5 Star Review: "Inspirational Willow!"

"Delightful book and illustrations! Plan to use it for Summer Reading Club done by a public library. Any one interested please note that www.sleepingbearpress has support material for the books they have published (Willow being one of them.) Every teacher would benefit from reading. We all could use a 'Willow' in our lives."

     Living thru the Pages

5 Star Review: "The Best"

"I LOVED this book for many reasons. This book addresses a problem that is all too prevalent in education today; stiffling the natural creative impulse. It's about a little girl named Willow whom refuses to be stiffled. Willow remains undaunted by the continous pressure to conform throughout the book and in the process she enlightens her teacher, Ms. Hawthorn, who finally learns to 'doodle.' The whole class benefits from the contagious generosity and enthusium of one little girl proving the impact that one individual can make. The illustrations are colorful and exquisite making this book a treasure for all ages. We can all learn from Willow AND, as we learn from Ms. Hawthorn, it's never too late to reconnect with your creativity and truly express yourself. Great job! I highly recommend this book."

     W. Lanning