About the Book:
Title: Willow and Bunny
Author: Anitra Rowe Schulte
Illustrator: Christopher Denise
Pub. Date: October 11, 2023
Beagles and Books is excited to be part of the blog tour for Willow and Bunny published by Two Lions. Special thanks to the publisher and Barbara Fisch of Blue Slip Media for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Review:
After Bunny hears a voice telling him to find a safe place to grow, he hops quite a distance until he sees Willow, a tree full of height and strength. Willow welcomes Bunny opening her branches to a grassy area which he now calls home. Schulte’s gentle text and Denise’s soft illustrations evoke a sense of warmth as Bunny and Willow become friends spending each day together.
But the calm fades when a storm rolls in. Loud thunder and strong winds startle Bunny who seeks refuge under Willow.
Sensing a greater need, Willow lifts her leaves higher inviting other forest animals to join Bunny. When the animals shares their fears, Bunny reassures them that Willow will protect them. And when the winds grow fierce and the storm surges Willow does just that. After the storm passed, Bunny is still afraid, but Willow’s tender branch embrace provide him comfort.
On the next morning, it is clear that Willow sacrificed herself for the safety of the animals and endured extensive damage. To repay her for her selflessness, the animals tend to Willow clearing underneath her and spreading her cuttings all over the area. As new trees gradually grow, Bunny remains loyal right by Willow’s side.
Willow and Bunny is a story that will both melt and tug at your heart. Schulte’s text is melodic and soulful as she tells a tale of true friendship. As a reading specialist, I appreciate how she carefully chose words to help children visualize and expand their vocabulary. Denise’s digital artwork immerses the reader in the forest making one feel part of the story. At times, the reader is up close right under Willow. Other times, the reader is watching from afar seeing the wind move Willow’s branches.
I love how Schulte’s repeats the following lines at the beginning and end of the story reminding us all of the gift of having one special with whom to share your life.
“Every day was theirs to share.
Just Bunny and Willow,
Willow and Bunny.”
Praise for Willow and Bunny!
“This tale provides a vehicle for conversations both about weather catastrophes and, more generally, about strong bonds that endure through change.” —Publishers Weekly
“The cozy, kindhearted story is beautifully told, mixing moments of sweet simplicity and light peril with a gentle hand. . . . A gratifying glimpse of generous friendship.” —Booklist
About the Author:
Anitra Rowe Schulte is the author of Dancing with Daddy, which won the Christopher Award and the Dolly Gray Children’s Literature Award. She has worked as a journalist for The Kansas City Star and the Sun-Times News Group, as a staff writer for Chicago Public Schools, and as a publicist. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and their three daughters. Visit her at http://www.anitraroweschulte.com or @anitraschulte on Twitter.
About the Illustrator:
Christopher Denise wrote and illustrated Knight Owl, a 2023 Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestseller. He is also the illustrator of many critically acclaimed children’s books, including Anika Aldamuy Denise’s Bunny in the Middle, Alison McGhee’s Firefly Hollow, and Anne Marie Pace’s Groundhug Day, as well as several in Brian Jacques’s award-winning Redwall series. Christopher lives with his family in Rhode Island. Visit him at http://www.christopherdenise.com and @christopherdenise on Instagram.
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