Greg E. Foley

The young hero of Willoughby & The Lion returns in this second picture-book devoted to his adventures, this time wondering where the moon goes, when it doesn't appear in the night-time sky (presumably during a New Moon). He finds the answer in his closet, of all places, opening the door onto a stunning moonscape, where he befriends a luminescent snail, and helps his new friend search for his lost silver ball...

Like its predecessor, Willoughby & The Moon presents a visually stunning show more picture-book experience, with artwork done in black & white with metallic silver accents. The effect is magical, suggesting the cold enchantment of the moon, and parallels the gold accents used in the previous book about Willoughby, which suggested the warmth of the lion. The text itself offers an engaging adventure story, as well as a reassurance tale, as Willoughby assures his snail friend that there is nothing to fear, during the course of their search, and then is assured in his turn, when he himself is frightened. Recommended to anyone who read and enjoyed the first book, as well as to those looking for more fantastical picture-books about the moon. show less

When Kat becomes convinced that her "Amazing Song to Make Things Better," composed with great effort one rainy day, has actually banished the storm, she sets out through her neighborhood to sing her creation to all of her friends. Her singing seems to have a positive effect on creatures from Dog to Turtle, but then she runs into Bunny, and finds that the song has no impact on his broken skateboard. Is her song useless..?

A sweet story about the creative impulse, the power of music to lift our show more spirits, and the importance of good friends to our emotional well-being, Kat Writes a Song pairs an engaging, heartwarming tale with cute, cartoon-style illustrations. The conclusion of the story, in which Bird marshals all of Kat's friends, in order to demonstrate to her just what an effect her song has had, offers a nice affirmation, both to budding song-writers and would-be musicians, and to any child who had ever wondered if their actions have any positive impact on those around them. show less

When Willoughby moves to a new house, small and isolated, with a treeless yard, the young boy isn't particularly happy. Then he encounters a golden lion who offers him ten wishes, telling him that if he wishes for "the most wonderful thing of all," he (the lion) will be freed from the rock on which he sits. Willoughby wishes for all sorts of wonderful things, from a palace to a roller-coaster, but it is only with his tenth wish, made after he spends some time with the lion, that he hits upon show more that most wonderful thing...

Although I would describe the conclusion of Willoughby & The Lion, in which the eponymous hero wishes for a true friend, as anything but unexpected, watching this young boy slowly realize what will truly make him happy is satisfying all the same. Author/artist Greg Foley's illustrations, done in black and white with metallic gold accents, are absolutely lovely, and really make this original fairy-tale much more appealing. I particularly enjoyed the two-page spread on which Willoughby and the lion sing songs together. Recommended to young children who love lions, long for magical adventures, or feel a little lonely in their new homes. show less

Packed full of cuteness, this is a tale about a very, warm-hearted kitty and her desire to help others.

Kat feels blue. To cheer herself up, she writes a song. The moment she sings it, the sun pokes through the clouds. She can't believe her cheerful song did that! So off she goes into the neighborhood and soon, her song seems to be helping with every problem she passes. Until it doesn't. Now, she realizes that maybe her song is magical and depression starts to settle in. Luckily, she has show more friends to help out.

This is a sweet book with a super sweet character. Kat's blues are something kids will easily understand and empathize with. Everyone feels sad sometimes, even when there's no reason to feel that way. And Kat's solution is fantastic, one readers can use themselves. Even when she heads out and helps others, it's hard not to be inspired by her. Readers will feel every step and easily be able to put themselves into her situation.

The illustrations are well down, not overly bright but kept warm and caring. The text is fitting for the intended age group and makes a great read-aloud. It's the kind of book to be read again and again and again.

There are a lot of great messages packed into these pages, and the musical scores at the beginning and end create a great opportunity to join in and have fun in more ways than just listening to the read. The only thing which hit my kids as odd was when the animals started singing—most follow Kat's 'meow', but the bird (although it talks) tweeted. For some reason, this bugged my kids. But they still found the story super cute and insisted on reading it again.

So, this one gets a big thumbs up!

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed it enough to want to leave my honest thoughts. show less