Willa and the Way Home: A Dog Picture Book for Kids Ages 4-8

by Jennifer Moorman, Julianne St Clair (Illustrator)

Meet Willa-a wiggly, floppy-eared German shepherd puppy with paws the size of pancakes, a heart as big as her bark, and a knack for big adventures!

In this heartwarming dog picture book for kids ages 4-8, moving day takes a surprising turn when Willa chases a butterfly straight out of the backyard...and gets lost in her brand-new neighborhood. What follows is a puppy adventure story about bravery, friendship, and finding your way home.

With the help of Rudy the cardinal and Pumpkin the cat, Willa learns that being brave doesn't mean doing everything alone. Sometimes bravery means asking for help and trusting that friends will guide you back where you belong.

Perfect as a bedtime story or classroom read-aloud, this sweet animal friendship picture book explores themes of courage, social emotional learning, and adjusting to a new home.

This joyful children's book:

Is ideal for ages 4-8
Supports themes of bravery, friendship, and resilience
Makes a comforting read for children navigating change
Features gorgeous illustrations by award-winning artist Julianne St. Clair
First in the Adventures with Willa the Wonder Pup series, this puppy adventure will leave young readers eager for the next journey.

38 pages, Hardcover

Published July 7, 2026

About the author

Jennifer Moorman is a USA TODAY bestselling author known for her heart-forward stories filled with Southern charm, unforgettable characters, and a touch of everyday magic. Her novels include The Charmed Library, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds, The Magic All Around, and the beloved Mystic Water Series. Her creative work also includes folklore retellings and the Strawberry Shortcake children’s books.

Praised by Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, Kirkus Reviews, and others, Jennifer's writing has been described as “imbued with her trademark touch of magic,” “a seamless blend of history and magical realism,” and “absolutely mesmerizing,” "enchanting," and "unputdownable."

Before becoming a full-time author, Jennifer worked as a senior editor for HarperCollins, helping guide writers through the publishing process. She is also a former touring professional singer and the co-creator and cohost of the podcast One Happy Thing with fellow bestselling authors Kerry Anne King and Maddie Dawson.

Jennifer’s writing has appeared in publications including People, Parade, Writer’s Digest, and Women’s World.

Jennifer is also a sought-after keynote speaker who shares inspiring talks about creativity, storytelling, and the magic of following one’s dreams.

When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her testing a new recipe, chasing rainbows, or stargazing. Jennifer lives in a magic house in Nashville, Tennessee. Connect with Jennifer on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Bookbub.

Reviews

[Annissa Joy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa is an adorable, energetic German Shepherd puppy who has just been adopted. She is moving with her new family to a new house. In the commotion of the move, Willa gets out and is not sure how to get home. Who can she find to help her get home?
Pick this on up on 7|7 so you can find out about the adventure.

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good day my Friends!

I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend. I’m spending some time reading. I have a recommendation for all of you. If you have children, grandchildren or occasionally like to read a children's book then you should consider Willa and the Way Home. It is such a lovely story.

Willa is a puppy and I love puppies. It is moving day to a new home for her family and she chases a butterfly right out of the yard! She has a grand adventure and meets some new friends along the way.

This is a really cute story and I think all children will enjoy it and the characters Willa meets during her adventure. Parents and Grandparents just might be reading this book several times. I have read it a couple of times myself. Willa has grown on me and I am hoping this turns into a series.

Willa and the Way Home by Jennifer Moorman was illustrated by Julianne St. Clair who did a fabulous job on the illustrations. The cover is a clue to what you are going to see throughout the book. They are so bright and vibrant. They will surely draw a child's attention and create some good conversation.

If you love children’s books and have young ones in your life, I highly suggest a copy of Willa and the Way Home. I love this book and you will too. Suggested ages are four to eight years. I guess I’m still a kid.

Until next time, Happy Reading!

Phyllis

P.S. Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review. Even just a few words help!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Gmr · Rating 5 out of 5]

🐶 ❤️ 📖 This DARLING story filled to the brim with MAGICAL illustrations (seriously stunning!) introduces us to sweet little Willa as she makes herself at home with her forever family...but they are embarking on a new adventure with her when the unthinkable happens... she gets lost! 😔 What's a puppy to do? She learns quickly that even a scary situation can be made less so when you ASK for help, and make some new FRIENDS. 🧡 With a little help from above (high flying help!) and below (a striped fur friend in the making!), Willa is on her way to a sweet reunion indeed.

🌼 It's a tender tale with a guaranteed happy ending that let's little ones know we all need a little help from time to time and making friends can be as easy as taking that first step and saying hello, or in this case, can you help me! Readers will fall in love with this adorable pup and her new friends, and the gorgeous artwork will make your heart soar. A great add to any library for story time or bed time reading!

*eARC received for review; opinions are my own

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Willa was not your average puppy. She was a German shepherd with paws the size of pancakes, on floppy ear, the energy of five squirrels on a trampoline, and a heart so full of love it wiggled her whole body.”

Willa the puppy is lost. Will her new friends, Rudy and Pumpkin, be able to help her find her way home?

Willa and the Way Home is wonderfully worded, full of action, and packed with delightful details. Gorgeously vibrant illustrations highlight this story of friendship and helping others. It’s sure to capture a child’s heart and attention.

*Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word what a lovely book! I am a huge fan of the author and I was so excited read that she wrote a kids book! I am a babysitter
/nanny and I am always reading to kids. They are going to love reading this book for bath/bed time!
I loved the art work. It is very colorful and will hold kids attention. I love how the puppy finds his family with scent and being able to smell baking and cooking ingredients! So cute. I know the author loves to bake herself! Highly recommend for all people with kids or work with kids. It also teaches them team work!

[Celina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute little story about a German Shepherd pup named Willa. Her family just moved to a new neighborhood and like all pups, she gets distracted chasing a butterfly. Before she knows it, she's lost. Ruby and Pumpkin come along and together they are brave searching for the way home. Along the way they all build a friendship.

I love this cute book as it opened so many conversations with my 6 year old. From being sad when Willa was lost to finding friends and finally reuniting with her family.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really cute and sweet book about an adopted puppy who gets lost. How she finds her way home with distractions along the way. New friendships Willa makes as she finds her way back home.
I loved the beautiful, illustrations and colors in the book. A wonderful bedtime story, birthday gift for young children. Would be a great story for a teacher to read in the younger classes.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful children's book! You will fall in love with Willa as she not only has a new human family but new found friends in animals around her. Willa cannot find her way home and needs help. Through animal friends she meets they will guide her back to her family. The illustrations are beautiful in this book and the story is one your children will love. We will need more Willa stories after this one!

[Donna Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa and the Way Home is a beautifully illustrated story of an adorable German Shepherd puppy who gets lost chasing a butterfly on move in day to a new home.
Willa meets a Cardinal, Rudy, and a cat, Pumpkin, who help her find her way back home. Willa learns it’s important to ask for help when she realizes she is lost.
She also learns friends are helpful and good to have.
Thank you to Jennifer Moorman for the advanced copy!

[Lesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cutest little book with bright and colorful illustrations to read to your children before bedtime. Willa the sweet little puppy moved to a new place and gets lost. While looking for her way back home she meets Rudy the cardinal and Pumpkin the cat. They help her find her way back and she is reunited with her family. She’s safe at home tucked in and has made two new friends along the way. A heartwarming little story with a happy ending.

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a cute book about an adopted, mischief puppy and how he finds his way home once lost. His distraction by the marshmallows is such a puppy antic. The book has such vibrant, beautiful colors and makes it that much more exciting to read! Would be a great gift for a baby shower or child's early birthday.

[Dawne Mccurry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story that I hope continues into a series!!! Sweet Willa and her new friends work together to help Willa find her way home.

I can’t wait to gift this book to some special little people in my life❤️❤️❤️

[Jen Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable story of a lost pup and the new friends she makes! Heartwarming and fun.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing tale. Being an animal lover, I was so captivated by Willa and you will be too. And these illustrations! Fantastic all around!

[Lysette H · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an adorable, gorgeous new picture book. Willa is a fabulous new character I hope we see more of in the future.

[Linda Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of friendships, kindness and being brave. Loved the illustrations! Looking forward to more of these!
A lovely read aloud with my oldest grandson. He is 5 enjoyed it very much.

[Tracie Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa and the Way Home by Jennifer Moorman
This is a brilliant children’s book about a puppy that loses her way. It’s a sweet story, well written and illustrated. The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is fabulous, just detailed and long enough for the young reader to be captivated and entertained. I enjoyed reviewing this one! I would like to Thank Jennifer Moorman for the opportunity to review an advanced copy. These opinions are my own and I will definitely purchase copies for my grandchildren! You don’t want to miss out on this one! 5⭐

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the Jennifer Moorman and Full Moon Press for choosing me to be a magical reader (and for providing so many lovely graphics for use on social media that I simply could not choose only one to share)!

I don’t usually share books for the kiddos, but this hardcover book is simply wonderful! I’ve fallen in love with Willa — her floppy ears, pancake-sized paws, curious spirit and heart full of courage. How could I not feature her on my page?!

Speaking of curious spirit, sweet Willa finds herself on an unexpected adventure when she follows a butterfly away from the safety of her yard. The friends she finds along the way — Rudy the cardinal and Pumpkin the cat — help her find the way back home. It’s the perfect reminder that bravery doesn’t mean doing everything alone.

This story is full of sweet and brave moments for little readers, of course, but it’s also for the kiddos at heart. Really, it’s for anyone who has ever felt a little lost and needed extra encouragement to guide them back.

Don’t even get me started on the illustrations! They are the sweetest I think I’ve ever seen! I mean, just look at the author and illustrator portraits too. From the font that looks like handwriting to all the vibrant colors and sweet faces, this book is just pure joy to read and look at!

Be sure to order your copy on Bookshop.org or reach out to your local independent bookstore to snag your copy! I cannot wait for mine to arrive!

[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's easy for puppies to get distracted by new things. In Willa and the Way Home by Jennifer Moorman, Willa the puppy gets distracted by a butterfly shortly after moving to her new house with her human family.

In Willa and the Way Home, Willa realizes she is lost after following a butterfly near her new house. In the story, a bird and a cat befriend Willa and help her find her way home in this heartwarming story.

The story is cute and also is one that could be encouraging to children as the focus is on having courage and getting help from friends. Both of those can be good things for sure. I also liked the cute illustrations. I love dogs, cats and birds, besides humans, and the illustrations in Willa and the Way Home are so cute. They are also vibrant and eye catching with bright colors. It all works together to make a fun new book to read with children.

Willa and the Way Home is a hardcover book that measures 8 1/2 by 11 inches in size and is 38 pages long.

I received a pdf copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.