Willow Finds a Way

Willow Finds a Way
By Lana Button, illustrated by Tania Howells
Tonawanda, NY : Kids Can Press, 2013, Ages 6-10

Willow is a young girl in a classroom full of students. One student, Kristabelle, is very bossy. Willow sometimes wants to tell her "no," however, she feels pressured to say yes. Willow sure enough finds a way to say, "no," and Kristabelle learns others will be her friend without demanding it of them.

In the text the author uses descriptive words for the reader to understand who in the illustration is who. An example of this is when the author writes, "Kristabelle skipped into the classroom holding a pink sparkly paper." When a child looks at the illustration they will look for a girl holding the paper.

The illustrations appear to look like freehand drawings. Many colors are used. Different colors for each character.

This would be a great book for discussing peer pressure with younger students. Parents and teachers can read this book with their child to explain these feelings are normal but stay true to yourself is the message in the end.

--review by Allison Wentling