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Willodeen
The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember . . .
Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the land: strange beasts known as “screechers.” The villagers of Perchance call them pests, even monsters, but Willodeen believes the animals serve a vital role in the complicated web of nature.
Lately, though, nature has seemed angry indeed. Perchance has been cursed with fires and mudslides, droughts and fevers, and even the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, has dwindled. For as long as anyone can remember, the tiny animals have overwintered in shimmering bubble nests perched atop blue willow trees, drawing tourists from far and wide. This year, however, not a single hummingbear has returned to Perchance, and no one knows why.
When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she’s determined to speak up for the animals she loves, and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears.
Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the land: strange beasts known as “screechers.” The villagers of Perchance call them pests, even monsters, but Willodeen believes the animals serve a vital role in the complicated web of nature.
Lately, though, nature has seemed angry indeed. Perchance has been cursed with fires and mudslides, droughts and fevers, and even the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, has dwindled. For as long as anyone can remember, the tiny animals have overwintered in shimmering bubble nests perched atop blue willow trees, drawing tourists from far and wide. This year, however, not a single hummingbear has returned to Perchance, and no one knows why.
When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she’s determined to speak up for the animals she loves, and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2021
317 people are currently reading
7738 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Applegate
280 books6,256 followers#1 New York Times bestselling author Katherine Applegate has written many books for young readers, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal.
Katherine’s picture books include THE BUFFALO STORM, illustrated by Jan Ormerod (Clarion Books); THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF IVAN, THE SHOPPING MALL GORILLA, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Clarion Books); SOMETIMES YOU FLY, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Clarion Books); and ODDER: AN OTTER’S STORY, illustrated by Charles Santoso (Feiwel & Friends).
She’s written or co-written three early chapter series for young readers: ROSCOE RILEY RULES, a seven-book series illustrated by Brian Biggs (HarperCollins); DOGGO AND PUPPER, a three-book series illustrated by Charlie Alder (Feiwel & Friends). With Gennifer Choldenko, she co-authored DOGTOWN and MOUSE AND HIS DOG, illustrated by Wallace West (Feiwel & Friends).
Books for middle-grade readers include HOME OF THE BRAVE (Feiwel & Friends); THE ONE AND ONLY series, illustrated by Patricia Castelao, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, THE ONE AND ONLY BOB, THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY, and THE ONE AND ONLY FAMILY (HarperCollins); the ENDLING trilogy (HarperCollins); CRENSHAW (Feiwel & Friends); WISHTREE (Feiwel & Friends); WILLODEEN (Feiwel & Friends); ODDER (Feiwel & Friends); and the forthcoming POCKET BEAR (Feiwel & Friends).
With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote ANIMORPHS, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide. They also wrote two other series, REMNANTS and EVERWORLD, and a young adult novel, EVE AND ADAM (Feiwel & Friends.)
Katherine’s work has been translated into dozens of languages, and her books have won accolades including the Christopher Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Many of her works have appeared on state master lists, Best of the Year lists, and Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists.
Katherine lives in Nevada with her husband and assorted pets. She is represented by Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary and Mary Pender at WME.
Katherine’s picture books include THE BUFFALO STORM, illustrated by Jan Ormerod (Clarion Books); THE REMARKABLE TRUE STORY OF IVAN, THE SHOPPING MALL GORILLA, illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Clarion Books); SOMETIMES YOU FLY, illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt (Clarion Books); and ODDER: AN OTTER’S STORY, illustrated by Charles Santoso (Feiwel & Friends).
She’s written or co-written three early chapter series for young readers: ROSCOE RILEY RULES, a seven-book series illustrated by Brian Biggs (HarperCollins); DOGGO AND PUPPER, a three-book series illustrated by Charlie Alder (Feiwel & Friends). With Gennifer Choldenko, she co-authored DOGTOWN and MOUSE AND HIS DOG, illustrated by Wallace West (Feiwel & Friends).
Books for middle-grade readers include HOME OF THE BRAVE (Feiwel & Friends); THE ONE AND ONLY series, illustrated by Patricia Castelao, including THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, THE ONE AND ONLY BOB, THE ONE AND ONLY RUBY, and THE ONE AND ONLY FAMILY (HarperCollins); the ENDLING trilogy (HarperCollins); CRENSHAW (Feiwel & Friends); WISHTREE (Feiwel & Friends); WILLODEEN (Feiwel & Friends); ODDER (Feiwel & Friends); and the forthcoming POCKET BEAR (Feiwel & Friends).
With her husband, Michael Grant, Katherine co-wrote ANIMORPHS, a long-running series that has sold over 35 million books worldwide. They also wrote two other series, REMNANTS and EVERWORLD, and a young adult novel, EVE AND ADAM (Feiwel & Friends.)
Katherine’s work has been translated into dozens of languages, and her books have won accolades including the Christopher Medal, the Golden Kite Award, the Bank Street Josette Frank Award, the California Book Award Gold Medal, the Crystal Kite Award, the Green Earth Book Honor Award, the Charlotte Zolotow Honor Award, and the E.B. White Read Aloud Award. Many of her works have appeared on state master lists, Best of the Year lists, and Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and New York Times bestseller lists.
Katherine lives in Nevada with her husband and assorted pets. She is represented by Elena Giovinazzo at Heirloom Literary and Mary Pender at WME.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,012 reviews
July 30, 2021
With all my soul I wish hummingbears were real.
March 10, 2024
In a Nutshell: A beautiful middle-grade fantasy with a strong environment-oriented theme that shows the interconnection of nature and the lack of awareness in humans. Great protagonist, wonderful animals, strong themes about nature. Much recommended!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Bookish Yays:
🐻 “The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember...” – the first line of the blurb, and also a line in the first chapter. Worth remembering by all!
🐻 Willodeen – shy, sweet, determined, clever, animal-lover. A wonderful protagonist!
🐻 The friendship between Willodeen and Connor – mutually supportive and mutually beneficial.
🐻 Birdie and Mae, the two old ladies who take care of Willodeen after she is orphaned – quirky and loveable, just as fictional old ladies should be. 😉
🐻 The screechers and the hummingbears (one of each is seen on the cover): fantastic (in both its meanings)! Loved how these imaginative beings enhance the story.
🐻 The message about the symbiotic interconnection across all creatures, including humans. Also appreciate the focus on human cruelty towards animals, the thoughtless destruction of wild habitats, and the resulting endangerment of innocent creatures, especially those who “are ugly”. Kids will hopefully learn not to judge by appearance and how every individual action affects all of us.
🐻 The chapter interludes from the screecher’s point of view, written in first person – amazingly genuine in sound!
🐻 Some lovely B&W illustrations peppered throughout.
Bookish If Onlys:
🐗 I wish there had been more of the magic. The setting is clearly fantastical, so to have only one scene where something magical happened is disappointing, even though the scene was amazing.
🐗 If only the book had some other title, or a modified cover design! Keeping in mind this author’s other works such as ‘The One and Only Ivan’, ‘Crenshaw’, and ’Odder’, I had assumed all this time that Willodeen would be the boar-like creature on the cover. To see that the book is named after its young human protagonist was a surprise, especially as the title and the cover then don’t work in harmony.
In short, no major complaints. I loved almost every bit of this story and would want every middle-grader to pick this beautiful story and understand how we are all in this together. It goes at a slower pace than usual MG fiction, so keep that in mind if pace is an important factor in your (or your child’s) book choices.
Heartily recommended! Check out the triggers though. They might be a bit too severe for some children.
4.5 stars.
My thanks to Welbeck Publishing UK and NetGalley for the DRC of “Willodeen”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content warning: parental death, fire, animal shooting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Eleven-year-old Willodeen loves all animals, but her favourites are the beasts hated by everyone else. Known as “screechers”, these beasts are considered pests by the village of Perchance, and there is even a bounty for those who kill them.
Lately, Perchance has been struck by several natural disasters such as forest fires and droughts. But the biggest loss to them has come from the loss of tourist revenue after the famed hummingbears stopped migrating to the village.
Willodeen, along with her friend Connor, are keen to investigate why hummingbears are no longer interested in Perchance, and also to save screechers from extinction. Will the duo succeed in their goals?
The story comes to us mostly from Willodeen’s first person perspective.
Bookish Yays:
🐻 “The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember...” – the first line of the blurb, and also a line in the first chapter. Worth remembering by all!
🐻 Willodeen – shy, sweet, determined, clever, animal-lover. A wonderful protagonist!
🐻 The friendship between Willodeen and Connor – mutually supportive and mutually beneficial.
🐻 Birdie and Mae, the two old ladies who take care of Willodeen after she is orphaned – quirky and loveable, just as fictional old ladies should be. 😉
🐻 The screechers and the hummingbears (one of each is seen on the cover): fantastic (in both its meanings)! Loved how these imaginative beings enhance the story.
🐻 The message about the symbiotic interconnection across all creatures, including humans. Also appreciate the focus on human cruelty towards animals, the thoughtless destruction of wild habitats, and the resulting endangerment of innocent creatures, especially those who “are ugly”. Kids will hopefully learn not to judge by appearance and how every individual action affects all of us.
🐻 The chapter interludes from the screecher’s point of view, written in first person – amazingly genuine in sound!
🐻 Some lovely B&W illustrations peppered throughout.
Bookish If Onlys:
🐗 I wish there had been more of the magic. The setting is clearly fantastical, so to have only one scene where something magical happened is disappointing, even though the scene was amazing.
🐗 If only the book had some other title, or a modified cover design! Keeping in mind this author’s other works such as ‘The One and Only Ivan’, ‘Crenshaw’, and ’Odder’, I had assumed all this time that Willodeen would be the boar-like creature on the cover. To see that the book is named after its young human protagonist was a surprise, especially as the title and the cover then don’t work in harmony.
In short, no major complaints. I loved almost every bit of this story and would want every middle-grader to pick this beautiful story and understand how we are all in this together. It goes at a slower pace than usual MG fiction, so keep that in mind if pace is an important factor in your (or your child’s) book choices.
Heartily recommended! Check out the triggers though. They might be a bit too severe for some children.
4.5 stars.
My thanks to Welbeck Publishing UK and NetGalley for the DRC of “Willodeen”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Content warning: parental death, fire, animal shooting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
March 19, 2024
“If horrible things were possible, why not magical ones?”
This story was more complicated I think than it needed to be. A story probably meant to teach children to love and appreciate those that are different than us and to care about the environment, because it is fragile and needs to be protected.
Of course there are learning lessons here, especially when it comes to imagination. There was a moment when a villager was ready to criticize one of the characters for his creative puzzlers and said…
“What on earth is wrong with that boy?”
The father of the boy retorts…
“What on earth is wrong with your imagination?”
This book, an endearing fable, shines the light on empathy. Cherishing living things, no matter how small or insignificant or un-pretty they may be are worthy of care and dignity. But it also asks us to allow our imagination to recognize what the future holds for us in our beautiful, complex world if we don’t consider the actions we are taking now.
I first read my Goodreads friend, Rosh’s review who led me to this book. I think you will like her review which you can find here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Reading Level: Grades 3rd – 7th – and beyond.
This story was more complicated I think than it needed to be. A story probably meant to teach children to love and appreciate those that are different than us and to care about the environment, because it is fragile and needs to be protected.
Of course there are learning lessons here, especially when it comes to imagination. There was a moment when a villager was ready to criticize one of the characters for his creative puzzlers and said…
“What on earth is wrong with that boy?”
The father of the boy retorts…
“What on earth is wrong with your imagination?”
This book, an endearing fable, shines the light on empathy. Cherishing living things, no matter how small or insignificant or un-pretty they may be are worthy of care and dignity. But it also asks us to allow our imagination to recognize what the future holds for us in our beautiful, complex world if we don’t consider the actions we are taking now.
I first read my Goodreads friend, Rosh’s review who led me to this book. I think you will like her review which you can find here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Reading Level: Grades 3rd – 7th – and beyond.
September 7, 2021
’For Mother Earth. Thanks for putting up with us.’
’I have learned you are never too small to make a difference.’- Greta Thunberg
’...and a little child shall lead them’ -Isaiah 11:6
This begins as a “Once upon a time” story, a story of magic, our planet, and a child - or two, that may be young, but who are more in tune with the magic in our world. They hope to protect it from those who, in the name of progress, are slowly destroying everything that makes life worth living, the magic of life, beauty, and wonder.
Willodeen was orphaned as a young child, a wildfire took the lives of her brother and her parents. She lives with Mae and Birdie, who offer her love and a home, in the woods where she loves to roam, trying to find the elusive screechers, whose lives have become endangered due to a bounty that was placed on them by the village, who wants to be rid of them. Their repulsive smell and their foul nature makes them a target, but Willodeen was raised by her Pa to love all creatures, and she remembers his words. They would be some of the last words he shared with her, as the fire that took her family would soon follow.
As the screecher population has dwindled drastically, so has the population of the beloved hummingbears, much to the chagrin of the townspeople, as they have been a huge inducement. A much loved attraction to the many tourists that come to their small town of Perchance annually for the Autumn Faire.
After a while, Connor, a young boy befriends her, a friendship she is reluctant to accept at first. She’s a loner, doesn’t trust easily, and has no friends since she doesn’t attend school. But slowly, over time, Connor shows her that he will not betray her trust, gifting her on her birthday with a small, handmade animal, which seems almost real. Soon after, it comes to life as if by magic. Together, these two, through a different kind of magic, convincingly share their wisdom of the balance that Nature and our planet requires.
Published: 07 Sep 2021
Many thanks for the ARC provided by Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Feiwel & Friends
April 26, 2023
I wish there was a 6* option for this book or 10! This is a beautiful story of one very strong willed little girls fight to save her beloved outcasts.
We meet some great characters within this story and are blessed with a few gorgeous illustrations along the way.
This is one of those books where you hope there is a next and a next again! The adventures of willodeen! What a gem this is.
Many thanks to the Author, Welbeck Publishing and Netgalley for a DRC in exchange for my honest review.
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We meet some great characters within this story and are blessed with a few gorgeous illustrations along the way.
This is one of those books where you hope there is a next and a next again! The adventures of willodeen! What a gem this is.
Many thanks to the Author, Welbeck Publishing and Netgalley for a DRC in exchange for my honest review.
Follow my new page on https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Want to read
April 1, 2021Wow!!
To us old school people from the 80s, don't you reckon the bear looks like a Wuzzle! (Butterbear to be exact because she was half butterfly and half bear)
*starts singing* 'here in the land of Wuzz, were having so much fun, with every single thing being two-in-one. A little bit of this, a little bit of that....'
Ohh my heart is full. I so want this book!
Oh yeah, and the description sounds amazing too and the illustration looks so soft! I just wanna touch it.
To us old school people from the 80s, don't you reckon the bear looks like a Wuzzle! (Butterbear to be exact because she was half butterfly and half bear)
*starts singing* 'here in the land of Wuzz, were having so much fun, with every single thing being two-in-one. A little bit of this, a little bit of that....'
Ohh my heart is full. I so want this book!
Oh yeah, and the description sounds amazing too and the illustration looks so soft! I just wanna touch it.
July 28, 2022
My first five star read in 2022.
This children's book is so good and has lessons for everyone.
The title character, Willodeen, is eleven years old. Willodeen loses her family to a fire and her life changes, but her father always taught her that nature knows more than people. Willodeen takes this lesson to heart.
She lives in Perchance where there are mystical creatures called Hummingbears that bring the town much of its currency through an annual festival. When the town's hummingbears quit coming to make their nests in the blue willows, Willodeen makes it her mission to solve the problem. She takes copious notes and makes a connection to screechers - an animal that is considered a menace by the town simply because they have a stench.
She has her first friend, Connor, who helps her and the two women, Mae and Birdie, that raised her also offer support.
This brings lessons of understanding and compassion for others and for nature. I LOVED every moment of it.
This children's book is so good and has lessons for everyone.
The title character, Willodeen, is eleven years old. Willodeen loses her family to a fire and her life changes, but her father always taught her that nature knows more than people. Willodeen takes this lesson to heart.
She lives in Perchance where there are mystical creatures called Hummingbears that bring the town much of its currency through an annual festival. When the town's hummingbears quit coming to make their nests in the blue willows, Willodeen makes it her mission to solve the problem. She takes copious notes and makes a connection to screechers - an animal that is considered a menace by the town simply because they have a stench.
She has her first friend, Connor, who helps her and the two women, Mae and Birdie, that raised her also offer support.
This brings lessons of understanding and compassion for others and for nature. I LOVED every moment of it.
August 14, 2021
5 stars
Such a sweet and imaginative book written for advanced younger readers or middle school readers, whose ultimate message is that everything in nature has a role and is connected and that humans have thrown that delicate balance way off-kilter by killing off what we don't understand for monetary reasons or because they are inconvenient in some way. This would be a perfect book for a unit in science. Willodeen is an orphan who has been taken in by a pair of kindly old ladies (yes, that's how they refer to themselves) who are a bit unusual in their own way. She lost her family to a fire and is generally looked down upon by many of the "upright" citizens in the town. She has a strong connection with nature and loves the strange creatures called Screechers who are loud, not much to look at, and release a terrible smell when they are scared. There are illustrations of the Screecher in the book and they look mostly like a warthog with a long furry tail. They are considered a nuisance and a bounty is put on them, which upsets Willodeen as they are her favorite animal. The other major creature in this story are the hummingbears, which look like little tiny flying polar bears and the tourism brought by the annual migration of the hummingbears to her village is what keeps the village afloat the rest of the year. Although Willodeen has not attended school, and is therefore viewed by most of the village (but not her ladies) as not very smart and not worth listening to, she has an observational scientist's heart and she decides to see if she can figure out why the hummingbears are no longer coming to her village.
I loved this story with its call to action message as an "undesirable" little girl becomes the heroine in this village. I enjoyed watching her come out of her shell and be willing to let Connor in as a friend, and I loved Mae and Birdie as well. This is a book full of heart and magic and I think it would be perfect for any elementary and middle school library.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Such a sweet and imaginative book written for advanced younger readers or middle school readers, whose ultimate message is that everything in nature has a role and is connected and that humans have thrown that delicate balance way off-kilter by killing off what we don't understand for monetary reasons or because they are inconvenient in some way. This would be a perfect book for a unit in science. Willodeen is an orphan who has been taken in by a pair of kindly old ladies (yes, that's how they refer to themselves) who are a bit unusual in their own way. She lost her family to a fire and is generally looked down upon by many of the "upright" citizens in the town. She has a strong connection with nature and loves the strange creatures called Screechers who are loud, not much to look at, and release a terrible smell when they are scared. There are illustrations of the Screecher in the book and they look mostly like a warthog with a long furry tail. They are considered a nuisance and a bounty is put on them, which upsets Willodeen as they are her favorite animal. The other major creature in this story are the hummingbears, which look like little tiny flying polar bears and the tourism brought by the annual migration of the hummingbears to her village is what keeps the village afloat the rest of the year. Although Willodeen has not attended school, and is therefore viewed by most of the village (but not her ladies) as not very smart and not worth listening to, she has an observational scientist's heart and she decides to see if she can figure out why the hummingbears are no longer coming to her village.
I loved this story with its call to action message as an "undesirable" little girl becomes the heroine in this village. I enjoyed watching her come out of her shell and be willing to let Connor in as a friend, and I loved Mae and Birdie as well. This is a book full of heart and magic and I think it would be perfect for any elementary and middle school library.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2021
“She has just a moment on this old, wise earth, this earth that will always be wiser than its inhabitants. And she is lucky indeed to be part of its magic.”
😭😭😭😭😭😭���😭😭😭
😭😭😭😭😭😭���😭😭😭
May 9, 2022
Reseña completa http://letraslibrosymas.blogspot.com/...
Me gustan mucho las historias de esta autora porque siempre impregna sus historias tan tiernas y especiales con enseñanzas y reflexiones importantes de manera brillante. Y eso es precisamente lo que encontramos en Willodeen, una historia de apariencia sencilla que esconde en sus páginas una verdadera joya, nos habla de la naturaleza, la aceptación de uno mismo y de lo que es diferente, de familia, duelo y amistad. Por lo que creo que es una lectura perfecta para los jóvenes lectores, pues aparte de disfrutar con una buena aventura con criaturas fantásticas y con una niña avispada y leal pueden aprender y dejar en ellos un buen poso, pero la puede disfrutar cualquiera al que le guste una buena historia o el middle grade.
Asimismo tiene una prosa liviana y bonita, con una tipografía grande que consigue que el libro se lee sin darte ni cuenta y encima la edición es preciosa, con detalles e ilustraciones tanto en los principios de capítulo como a página completa, así puedes hacerte una buena idea de cómo son estas criaturas que la autora ha creado.
Una historia middle grade rebosante de imaginación y reflexiones.
Me gustan mucho las historias de esta autora porque siempre impregna sus historias tan tiernas y especiales con enseñanzas y reflexiones importantes de manera brillante. Y eso es precisamente lo que encontramos en Willodeen, una historia de apariencia sencilla que esconde en sus páginas una verdadera joya, nos habla de la naturaleza, la aceptación de uno mismo y de lo que es diferente, de familia, duelo y amistad. Por lo que creo que es una lectura perfecta para los jóvenes lectores, pues aparte de disfrutar con una buena aventura con criaturas fantásticas y con una niña avispada y leal pueden aprender y dejar en ellos un buen poso, pero la puede disfrutar cualquiera al que le guste una buena historia o el middle grade.
Asimismo tiene una prosa liviana y bonita, con una tipografía grande que consigue que el libro se lee sin darte ni cuenta y encima la edición es preciosa, con detalles e ilustraciones tanto en los principios de capítulo como a página completa, así puedes hacerte una buena idea de cómo son estas criaturas que la autora ha creado.
Una historia middle grade rebosante de imaginación y reflexiones.
August 16, 2021
(free review copy) Absolutely gorgeous. “Willodeen” is to ecology and nature as “Wishtree” is to acceptance and kindness, IMO. Written in the same style and with the same brevity as Applegate did in Wishtree, Willodeen tackles the ravages of climate change and the symbiotic relationships in nature with a cast of the most whimsical creatures EVER. However, while I recommended Wishtree all the way down to K and 1, I am recommending Willodeen for grades 3 and up due to the brutal nature of well, nature itself. This would be an exceptional read aloud, but please take care if you are living in a wildfire zone (ummm, entire Western US?) as it might be scary for kids who may already be anxious about this. CW: death of parents, death in wildfire, hunting, animal killed on page
August 22, 2021
“Once upon a time, when stones were soft and stars were bits of dust, I loved a monster.” I mean, what a FANTASTIC line.
This is a really sweet, soft fantasy about a girl called Willodeen. Strong found family vibes (which is a perpetual fave) and an enduring, impactful story. Willodeen loses her mom, dad, and younger brother in a fire that rages through their small village and leaves her injured as well. She is taken in and nursed by two older women who live together, but can't quite let herself get attached to them because she doesn't want to be hurt again. For related reasons, she's also quite isolated and has a hard time making friends. But a thing she does love doing is observing the unique wildlife in their village. She has a small hummingbear (a creation of this fantastical world that is a very small bear that can fly like a hummingbird, freaking adorable) who is injured and has adopted her, and she likes to explore the woods, especially looking for screechers, an animal deemed less than desirable by the community because of its powerful stink when frightened. Coincidentally, around the same time the screecher population is dwindling because of a bounty the village has placed on them, the hummingbears also stop building their nests in the village, which is a problem as the hummingbears have been a big draw for tourists. Willodeen investigates why this might be, along with an accidental friend she's made, Connor, a boy who lives in the village and crafts fantastical creations, including a model screecher that he gifts to Willodeen on her eleventh birthday.
This book made me unexpectedly emotional? It is a book about the importance of community - not just with other people, but with nature. About being vulnerable and strong, and having your voice heard, even when you're a young person. And about there being value to be found in all living things, if only there is an attempt at understanding.
It's got lots of short chapters, which makes it a good choice for younger kids looking to get into longer chapter books but still needing some solid stopping points.
CW: death of a parent
This is a really sweet, soft fantasy about a girl called Willodeen. Strong found family vibes (which is a perpetual fave) and an enduring, impactful story. Willodeen loses her mom, dad, and younger brother in a fire that rages through their small village and leaves her injured as well. She is taken in and nursed by two older women who live together, but can't quite let herself get attached to them because she doesn't want to be hurt again. For related reasons, she's also quite isolated and has a hard time making friends. But a thing she does love doing is observing the unique wildlife in their village. She has a small hummingbear (a creation of this fantastical world that is a very small bear that can fly like a hummingbird, freaking adorable) who is injured and has adopted her, and she likes to explore the woods, especially looking for screechers, an animal deemed less than desirable by the community because of its powerful stink when frightened. Coincidentally, around the same time the screecher population is dwindling because of a bounty the village has placed on them, the hummingbears also stop building their nests in the village, which is a problem as the hummingbears have been a big draw for tourists. Willodeen investigates why this might be, along with an accidental friend she's made, Connor, a boy who lives in the village and crafts fantastical creations, including a model screecher that he gifts to Willodeen on her eleventh birthday.
This book made me unexpectedly emotional? It is a book about the importance of community - not just with other people, but with nature. About being vulnerable and strong, and having your voice heard, even when you're a young person. And about there being value to be found in all living things, if only there is an attempt at understanding.
It's got lots of short chapters, which makes it a good choice for younger kids looking to get into longer chapter books but still needing some solid stopping points.
CW: death of a parent
November 4, 2021
Willodeen is a young, passionate girl who has experienced tremendous loss and gained great insight. As natural disasters lead to a decrease in the migrating hummingbear population, Willodeen aims to argue that the careless destruction of animals called screechers is a contributing factor. Then something magical happens that helps Willodeen solidify and argue her theory.
I adored Willodeen’s character, found her relatable at times, and felt a great tug upon my heart throughout this tale. Applegate proved, once again, that she can expertly probe emotions, although this story didn’t cut me quite as deeply as The One and Only Ivan. Regardless, I really enjoyed the book. I think it offers an important perspective about nature that speaks to children and adults alike.
Although this was only my second read by Katherine Applegate, it won’t be my last. I was nervous, having loved Ivan so much, but now I know I can trust her to create sweet, vulnerable stories for more than just gorillas!
I adored Willodeen’s character, found her relatable at times, and felt a great tug upon my heart throughout this tale. Applegate proved, once again, that she can expertly probe emotions, although this story didn’t cut me quite as deeply as The One and Only Ivan. Regardless, I really enjoyed the book. I think it offers an important perspective about nature that speaks to children and adults alike.
Although this was only my second read by Katherine Applegate, it won’t be my last. I was nervous, having loved Ivan so much, but now I know I can trust her to create sweet, vulnerable stories for more than just gorillas!
July 27, 2024
Ugh, Applegate did you just get all your trauma out with Animorphs? How dare you try to teach this generation about environmental well being instead of scarring them and instilling they can trust no one…
Still love you tho
Still love you tho
May 14, 2023
I didn't love this. My son (10) and I read this together. It is ok. We were hoping for more world building and more understanding of the main characters.
April 1, 2022
2.5
No one in my family particularly enjoyed this book. It was our bedtime read-aloud, and it took forever because none of us were motivated to read it (what a Catch-22 - then it took even longer to read!). The plot didn't seem to go much of anywhere for the first 3/4 of the book. I think we all enjoyed the last quarter more than the rest, and the ending was pretty effective. Message-wise, it's an effective book; she gets her point across, it's just not very enjoyable.
I disliked the writing. Applegate's word choice is interesting, even poetic, but there's no flow to her prose and the sentences bump against each other like rocks. Attempts to develop images don't succeed and are only redeemed by the effective artwork. Not a fun book to read aloud.
I love that we still read every night, all of us in Will's room. I know it will end (as Harper gets older it feels like the day she gets exasperated with it can't be far away), but I'm glad it's lasted as long as it has.
No one in my family particularly enjoyed this book. It was our bedtime read-aloud, and it took forever because none of us were motivated to read it (what a Catch-22 - then it took even longer to read!). The plot didn't seem to go much of anywhere for the first 3/4 of the book. I think we all enjoyed the last quarter more than the rest, and the ending was pretty effective. Message-wise, it's an effective book; she gets her point across, it's just not very enjoyable.
I disliked the writing. Applegate's word choice is interesting, even poetic, but there's no flow to her prose and the sentences bump against each other like rocks. Attempts to develop images don't succeed and are only redeemed by the effective artwork. Not a fun book to read aloud.
I love that we still read every night, all of us in Will's room. I know it will end (as Harper gets older it feels like the day she gets exasperated with it can't be far away), but I'm glad it's lasted as long as it has.
September 21, 2021
Applegate's recent novels have all been sweet, gentle, and wise (I've particularly loved THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN, CRENSHAW, and WISHTREE). Her newest follows the same pattern. WILLODEEN is a quiet tale that is about friendship and family. Mostly, though, it's about nature—its majesty, its might, and its magic. The story teaches about both respecting it and protecting it. A quick, easy read, WILLODEEN is enjoyable. It isn't, however, as impactful as some of Applegate's others. I liked it, but I didn't love it. I'd give it 3 1/2 stars if I could; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
November 30, 2022
Tween read - a title from the Battle of the Books list. I enjoyed this book and students readers will too. If only Hummingbears were real!
February 5, 2022
This was a really cute book.
Willodeen was such a lovely and adventerous girl, and Connor was such a sweet boy. Their friendship warmed my heart, especially since they were both outsiders, different types, but still.
Birdie and Mae reminded me of the two grandmas from the graphic novel Mooncakes, and I absolutely loved their relationship and love of Willodeen.
The Screechers seem so cute and sweet, and Hummingbears are adorable. I loved the fact that the Screechers were missunderstood, smelly yet important, it reminded me of the fact that everyone is important and to treat everyone with kindness, even if you don't like them. Also, Hummingbears should be a real thing, small flying bears that blow bubbles for nests sounds so adorable.
Can we just acknowledge the fact that the town was called Perchance?! Like, that's such a cute name and ties into the story if you think about it.
I think that every child should read this because of all the sweet messages and the kindness involved in this.
Willodeen was such a lovely and adventerous girl, and Connor was such a sweet boy. Their friendship warmed my heart, especially since they were both outsiders, different types, but still.
Birdie and Mae reminded me of the two grandmas from the graphic novel Mooncakes, and I absolutely loved their relationship and love of Willodeen.
The Screechers seem so cute and sweet, and Hummingbears are adorable. I loved the fact that the Screechers were missunderstood, smelly yet important, it reminded me of the fact that everyone is important and to treat everyone with kindness, even if you don't like them. Also, Hummingbears should be a real thing, small flying bears that blow bubbles for nests sounds so adorable.
Can we just acknowledge the fact that the town was called Perchance?! Like, that's such a cute name and ties into the story if you think about it.
I think that every child should read this because of all the sweet messages and the kindness involved in this.
July 15, 2021
Willowdeen, the book, is a quiet reminder to everyone that all creatures have a place in this world and that all should be cared for and respected. Willowdeen, the character is kind, brave, empathetic and a good friend to all. Her past sorrows help her appreciate and care for those creatures that people want to dislike. With a name like screecher it is easy to dislike. But Willowdeen sees past the name the the animal inside. Her friendship with Connor starts out rocky because Wil,lowdeen is quick to assume negative things about him like others do about screechers. But through quiet and calm perseverance Connor is able to prove that he is not like his father. Connor and Willowdeen set out to show everyone the value of screechers. Quiet, unassuming, yet powerful. This book will be loved by all kids.
August 22, 2021
“I’ll be healing till the end of my days. Seems that’s how it goes, when you lose someone you love.” Eleven-year-old Willodeen feels a connection to all kinds of animals, and has an adorable hummingbear (a cross between a hummingbird and a polar bear) as a pet. But Willodeen believes that all animals play an important role keeping nature in balance -- even the detested screechers. As her community struggles with environmental disasters (from the fire that killed Willodeen's parents to the disappearance of hummingbears), Willodeen has to overcome her intense shyness and figure out how to speak up for the animals she loves. I especially appreciate how Applegate mixes gentle fantasy with an important environmental message and creates a character I connect with so strongly (my 9-year-old self wants to be Willodeen).
August 17, 2022
Looduse tasakaalust ja keskkonna kaitsest võib raamatuid kirjutada mitut moodi. Katherine Applegate on teinud seda aga tõeliselt haaravalt. Usun, et igaüks, kes raamatu läbi loeb, saab paremini aru, et looduses ei ole olemas halbu liike, kõik on mingil põhjusel vajalikud. Raamatus on probleem toodud välja selge vastandusena: armsad ümikarud toovad külale kuulsust ja raha, kuid ebameeldiva välimuse ja haisvad kisakõrid peletavad turiste eemale. Lahendus sai olla ju vaid üks: kisakõrid tuleb hävitada. Millegipärast aga ei tulnud ka ümikarud pärast kisakõride kadumist enam külla oma pesi ehitama. Mis on selle põhjuseks? Lahenduse leiab 11aastane eraklik Willodeen, keda täiskasvanud küll algul ei taha kuulda võtta, kuid siiski otsustatakse proovida, kas Willodeeni idee ka töötab.
Väga haaravalt kirjutatud raamat. Sobib nii lastele kui täiskasvanutele.
Väga haaravalt kirjutatud raamat. Sobib nii lastele kui täiskasvanutele.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2022
Such a cute book which I read aloud to my 7yo son. The creatures are absolutely endearing and Willodeen is a caring child with neurodivergency who cares deeply for all living things.
My only reservations on this book are that it started off with a lot of death--human and creature. Then the story plods along quite slowly after so much sadness. My son lost interest in the book for a while, so we set it down. However, the last 1/3 of the book picks up and my child absolutely adored the tale. I did, too.
My only reservations on this book are that it started off with a lot of death--human and creature. Then the story plods along quite slowly after so much sadness. My son lost interest in the book for a while, so we set it down. However, the last 1/3 of the book picks up and my child absolutely adored the tale. I did, too.
April 23, 2021
Thanks to Edelweiss+ for an eARC of this!
Willodeen is another beautifully written story by Applegate. With short chapters and lovable characters, this was hard to put down and I flew right through it. This is a great story about our need for one another and our dependence on nature. Once again, I will have to buy multiple copies of this Katherine Applegate book to keep up with the needs of the students in the elementary school.
Willodeen is another beautifully written story by Applegate. With short chapters and lovable characters, this was hard to put down and I flew right through it. This is a great story about our need for one another and our dependence on nature. Once again, I will have to buy multiple copies of this Katherine Applegate book to keep up with the needs of the students in the elementary school.
July 28, 2021
I felt a bit sorry for all the adults. How hard it must be to worry all the time about your children and their future?
True words, K.A. True words.
Another ecological fable, simple and spare. Perfect for reading aloud to a class or group or for a moderated kids book discussion.
July 31, 2021
What a beautiful story about a young girl saving many majestic creatures. Heartfelt and beautifully depicted.. I enjoyed reading. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.
March 9, 2022
5 Stars i loved this Fantasy Childrens/Middle Grade Book
October 12, 2021
I enjoyed this fantasy world with Willodeen. Not under the best of circumstances, I liked how Willodeen discovered a problem and was persistent as she worked to solve it. A strong, determined character, she was compassionate to others and I felt that although she alone, she knew she wasn’t lonely.
After a fire claimed the lives of her parents and a sibling, Willodeen lives with 2 older women who were healers. Willodeen is a quiet girl who prefers to spend her time in the great outdoors; observing nature and taking notes. Willodeen likes to search for Screechers. Although, they’re not the adorable hummingbears (small bear with wings) that the villagers all loved, to Willodeen, they were her favorite. Her father had taught her to love all things including unlovable things which to some individuals included the Screechers. Yes, these Screechers produced a loud screech but they also were grumpy, smelly creatures that were definitely unwelcomed by the villagers.
The villagers are aware of Willodeen’s passion for the Screechers and I couldn’t believe how cruel and immature some of them were towards her. She was an 11-year-old girl for cripes sake! I was glad when Connor was introduced to Willodeen. Connor and Willodeen are both reserved and smart individuals and they both also needed a friend. I enjoyed reading how their friendship evolved.
As the Autumn Faire date approaches, the village starts to plan the annual celebration. This year though, it isn’t looking good financially for the town. As the village’s huge moneymaker, the hummingbears haven’t made their annual return yet. They know, if they don’t return, neither will the tourists. The villagers need this revenue to survive. What can they do to get them back? Why have they suddenly stopped coming? Where are they? Lots of questions are hanging in the air and there seems to be only one person who has all the answers. One person with a notebook full of notes. Another great read by Katherine Applegate. 5 stars
After a fire claimed the lives of her parents and a sibling, Willodeen lives with 2 older women who were healers. Willodeen is a quiet girl who prefers to spend her time in the great outdoors; observing nature and taking notes. Willodeen likes to search for Screechers. Although, they’re not the adorable hummingbears (small bear with wings) that the villagers all loved, to Willodeen, they were her favorite. Her father had taught her to love all things including unlovable things which to some individuals included the Screechers. Yes, these Screechers produced a loud screech but they also were grumpy, smelly creatures that were definitely unwelcomed by the villagers.
The villagers are aware of Willodeen’s passion for the Screechers and I couldn’t believe how cruel and immature some of them were towards her. She was an 11-year-old girl for cripes sake! I was glad when Connor was introduced to Willodeen. Connor and Willodeen are both reserved and smart individuals and they both also needed a friend. I enjoyed reading how their friendship evolved.
As the Autumn Faire date approaches, the village starts to plan the annual celebration. This year though, it isn’t looking good financially for the town. As the village’s huge moneymaker, the hummingbears haven’t made their annual return yet. They know, if they don’t return, neither will the tourists. The villagers need this revenue to survive. What can they do to get them back? Why have they suddenly stopped coming? Where are they? Lots of questions are hanging in the air and there seems to be only one person who has all the answers. One person with a notebook full of notes. Another great read by Katherine Applegate. 5 stars
January 14, 2022
The message of the book resonates but I wish the story that molded it was less formulaic. Sure, it is a Children's-Middle Grade book, so I wasn't expecting extensive world-building or anything, but there isn't really anything that stands out here as original from a human character standpoint. I will get to the animals soon enough. Willodeen is arguably one of the least fun young characters I have read in a while. Was it because of her trauma or had she always been that way? I would say the latter, though I would bet most readers would excuse her cantankerous nature considering what she went through. Though so did many other village people, so I am unconvinced there wasn't a kernel of standoffish judge-y-ness already there. Regardless, she was not fun as the protagonist, and I think the message of the book would have worked more effectively with Conner, or someone with his personality and artistic nature - just so we're not always making boys the stars of kid's books and girls the unlikable ones - because he was fun and openminded and interesting. Willodeen was not. I get NOT liking people, social gatherings, crowds, and basic human association - that is me 100% - but she treated people who were being kind to her kinda jerky and had some rather strange notions about life, and it made most of her interactions cringeworthy. But the animals-beasties were the best! Quite original ideas, those hummingbears and screechers, and their symbiosis was beautifully explained and was the sound basis for the book's message about the interconnectedness of all living things. It is humans that make things ugly and awful but it is also up to humans to fix things so we can remain a part of the natural world. This book had the potential to be a classic had its sentiments, themes, and creatures been driven by a more magical central character. Alas, Willodeen dragged this down to just an average tale, sadly.
April 11, 2022
I am still salty that the audiobook version has a 47 week wait at my public library. FORTY SEVEN WEEKS!!! It's that good though. I settled for the text version and read aloud to my kids. This is a middle grades book featuring a 10 year old who has some social problems. She lost her family in a fire and was taken in by two older women who are a little strange but very much in love. It came out last fall. I fully expect to see it winning some awards eventually.
Willodeen lives in a village that depends on the income of tourists coming to see the hummingbears, but the hummingbears are not returning. There's a bounty on screechers, loud, stinky, big, dangerous creatures with tusks that look a little like giant hogs. Screechers are also getting scarce.
Willodeen learns about the magic in angry tears and how nature knows more than we do. She braves getting laughed at to do what she knows is right. Her only friend gives her a screecher statue that comes to life, allowing Willodeen and her little family to uncover the truth behind the change in the village.
Ultimately, the screechers eat snails from the roots of trees, making those trees and only those trees attractive to hummingbears. Humans can't remove the snails without damaging the roots. This is a good book to talk about complex ecologies and unintended consequences with kids.
Willodeen lives in a village that depends on the income of tourists coming to see the hummingbears, but the hummingbears are not returning. There's a bounty on screechers, loud, stinky, big, dangerous creatures with tusks that look a little like giant hogs. Screechers are also getting scarce.
Willodeen learns about the magic in angry tears and how nature knows more than we do. She braves getting laughed at to do what she knows is right. Her only friend gives her a screecher statue that comes to life, allowing Willodeen and her little family to uncover the truth behind the change in the village.
Ultimately, the screechers eat snails from the roots of trees, making those trees and only those trees attractive to hummingbears. Humans can't remove the snails without damaging the roots. This is a good book to talk about complex ecologies and unintended consequences with kids.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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