Greg Foley (1)

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 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

A cute story about a young boy who is perplexed when the moon disappears. He follows a snail through his closet to the moon to try and find a missing ball. The snail who is afraid of many things is encourages by Willoughby to face his fears. Books that use silver ink are instantly attractive to me, the story was satisfying if not a bit surreal and I'm sure teachers will love incorporating this book into units on the moon and space.

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