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Willow the Armadillo
A heartfelt story that celebrates picture books and reminds us real heroes come in all shapes and sizes
Willow the Armadillo loves picture books. More than anything, she wants to be the hero in a picture book of her very own. She knows that achieving her dream will take a lot of work, so she studies hard at Picture Book Academy and signs up for many auditions. But she just can’t seem to land a leading role! After one last heartbreaking rejection, she heads to the library for some peace and quiet, and instead finds . . . chaos! And that’s when Willow discovers something even better than being a hero in a book.
Willow the Armadillo loves picture books. More than anything, she wants to be the hero in a picture book of her very own. She knows that achieving her dream will take a lot of work, so she studies hard at Picture Book Academy and signs up for many auditions. But she just can’t seem to land a leading role! After one last heartbreaking rejection, she heads to the library for some peace and quiet, and instead finds . . . chaos! And that’s when Willow discovers something even better than being a hero in a book.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2020
1 person is currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 23, 2020
See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...
WILLOW THE ARMADILLO is a cute picture book about reaching for your dreams and what it means to be a hero. Willow loves picture books, and she spends a lot of time reading. She dreams of being the star of a picture book, and she goes to a special school to help her train to be a picture book hero. She learns the skills she needs, but when she goes to tryouts, it seems they are always looking for someone else. Then, one day at the library, the lights go out, and Willow sees her chance to become a real-life hero.
What I loved: This picture book is full of fun and colorful illustrations throughout. The story is really cute about reaching for your dreams and working to achieve them. The important messages are about what a hero looks like (not always what you would expect), and that it's more important to be be a hero in real life than just pretend in a book. There are some subtle values in these messages.
The amount of text is just right for toddlers through elementary school-aged readers, and it's clear and easy to read. Willow has a lot of personality, and it was fun to look through the illustrations. The way in which Willow becomes a hero is maybe small but it means a lot, and shows young readers that they can make a difference in a small way.
Final verdict: An overall charming story about heroism and reaching for the stars, WILLOW THE ARMADILLO is a delightful picture book for young readers who may themselves have big dreams that seem impossible.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
WILLOW THE ARMADILLO is a cute picture book about reaching for your dreams and what it means to be a hero. Willow loves picture books, and she spends a lot of time reading. She dreams of being the star of a picture book, and she goes to a special school to help her train to be a picture book hero. She learns the skills she needs, but when she goes to tryouts, it seems they are always looking for someone else. Then, one day at the library, the lights go out, and Willow sees her chance to become a real-life hero.
What I loved: This picture book is full of fun and colorful illustrations throughout. The story is really cute about reaching for your dreams and working to achieve them. The important messages are about what a hero looks like (not always what you would expect), and that it's more important to be be a hero in real life than just pretend in a book. There are some subtle values in these messages.
The amount of text is just right for toddlers through elementary school-aged readers, and it's clear and easy to read. Willow has a lot of personality, and it was fun to look through the illustrations. The way in which Willow becomes a hero is maybe small but it means a lot, and shows young readers that they can make a difference in a small way.
Final verdict: An overall charming story about heroism and reaching for the stars, WILLOW THE ARMADILLO is a delightful picture book for young readers who may themselves have big dreams that seem impossible.
Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.
May 20, 2025
Willow is adorable and bless her for continuing to audition to be in a book after each rejection, that shows real courage and determination. But Willow has her day and I love that the other critters at the library make a book for her. I think it means more that it's a handmade book. Wonderful!
May 24, 2025
A sweet book.
April 21, 2020
More than anything, Willow wants to be the hero in a picture book. She studies hard at Picture Book Academy and keeps a positive attitude through many auditions...until one rejection too many crushes her dreams. When circumstances in real life call for a hero, Willow discovers that she is living her dream after all. "Who wants to read a story?" A clever, gently-meta picture book celebrating picture books, reading, and story lovers everywhere! Bonus: Don't miss the cover under the dust jacket!
May 21, 2020
There are so many things to love about Willow! She encourages literacy, and she shows the reader what a real hero is, which is perfect for this moment when we are seeing our real heroes in action during a pandemic. Take off the book jacket and you will discover a meta-element...it will blow kids' minds and give you lots to talk about! Kids will also enjoy discovering the tiny titles on all of Willow's books. An excellent story that is more than just a story. It's an experience for your kids!
January 29, 2020
Willow wants to be a book superhero but doesn't make it in any of the auditions. She soon discovers there's more than one way to be a hero. Super cute - 5 stars
I received this galley at ALA Midwinter.
I received this galley at ALA Midwinter.
January 28, 2020
I love this book so much!! My favorite part is how important willows book light truly is!! I personally Never leave my house without a book light in my bag!! 💖📚
March 14, 2020
Willow dreams of being a hero in a picture book of her very own.
May 23, 2020
This is adorable and so wonderfully meta. It would make a great bedtime story!
July 8, 2020
A reading Armadillo?! Yes please!
August 24, 2020
This was adorablw with a good message. I felt for Willow.
November 24, 2020
I loved this sweet little book. Who doesn't love a book that features libraries, picture books, and an adorable purple armadillo?
April 2, 2022
This is adorable and simple and funny and just Awww! I loved the illustrations, enjoyed the story. It was a fun read and I would recommend it to others.
February 22, 2023
Story 4
Illustrations 4
Illustrations 4
June 4, 2024
Themes: armadillos/animals, superheroes, persistence
Ages: K-2nd grade
Pub year: 2020
Ages: K-2nd grade
Pub year: 2020
May 30, 2025
Perseverance at its best.. Happiness
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews