Description
When Willow speaks, her words slip out as soft and shy as a secret. At school, her barely audible whisper causes her no end of troubles. But Willow is as resourceful as she is quiet, and she fashions a magic microphone from items she finds in the recycling bin.
But Willow's clever invention is only a temporary solution. How will this quiet little girl make herself heard?
Author Bio
Lana Button is an early childhood educator and an award-winning author of more than a dozen books for children. Lana is a former actress who considers every read-aloud a mini-performance. When not writing new stories, Lana spends her time travelling to schools and festivals to share her books and her passion for social-emotional literacy. Lana grew up in New Brunswick and now lives in southern Ontario. She is active on social media @lanabutton and would love to connect with you.
Tania Howells's illustrations have appeared in Chirp and Today's Parent, among other publications. She is the illustrator of Berkeley's Barn Owl Dance and Willow's Whispers. Tania lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Prizes
- Best Children's Books of the Year, Bank Street Children's Book CommitteeWinner 2011
- Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities, IBBYWinner 2010
- Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children's Book CentreWinner 2011
- Shining Willow Award, Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice AwardShort-listed 2011
- Blue Spruce Award, Ontario Library AssociationShort-listed 2011
Review Quotes
Limited text and simple sentences, combined with a strong character who solves her own problems, make this a successful selection.—School Library Journal
Shy, quiet kids will take heart at Willow's small victories.—Quill & Quire
There is nothing cloying about the sweetness of this book. The playful use of font sizes, the simply drawn, brightly colored figures and, most of all, the perfect pitch of its text, see to that.—The Globe and Mail
A victory for any reader who struggles to be heard, even metaphorically.—Kirkus Reviews
Biographical note
Lana Button works in early childhood education. She is the author of Willow's Whispers, Willow Finds a Way, Willow's Smile and My Teacher's Not Here! Lana studied theater performance at Concordia University in Montreal, and now lives in Burlington, Ontario, with her husband and three daughters.
Tania Howells's illustrations have appeared in Chirp and Today's Parent, among other publications. She is the illustrator of Berkeley's Barn Owl Dance and Willow's Whispers. Tania lives in Toronto, Ontario.
