Willow on the River - Hardcover

Camilla Ashforth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 074456770X ISBN 13: 9780744567700

Publisher: Walker Childrens Hardbacks, 2002

Synopsis

Exquisitely gentle water colour picture books about two days in the life of a bear called Willow. Willow is the gentlest bear you'll ever meet. He lives at the foot of the Appleby Downs on Paradise Farm. One day he looks out over the fields and dreams of his cabin by the sea. He invites Little Pink Pig and all the animals of Paradise Farm to go with him on a golden seaside day to treasure. And there is nothing finer than a day spent on the river, with a boat and a picnic and a friend for company.

About this title

About the Author:

Camilla Ashforth is the author and illustrator of four much loved books about a bear called James and a rabbit called Horatio: Horatio's Bed, Monkey Tricks, Calamity and Humphrey Thud. She is also the illustrator of the Martin Waddell story Who Do You Love? In addition to illustrating books, she has designed for the theatre, built houses and exhibited paintings in London. She lives with her three children in a ramshackle house by the river.

From School Library Journal:

PreSchool-Grade 1-Very little happens in this lyrical, dreamy book, yet the created vision holds strength in its consistent portrayal of an idealistic world. After tending the animals on Paradise Farm, a little bear heads out for a day on the river, leaving Little Pig Pink in charge. Along the way, Willow comes across his friend Finley and invites him along. The two bears make a day of it, creating a dam and floating a fleet of leaves, leaping across rocks and swinging above the water. After picnicking, they lie in the grass gazing at clouds and blowing dandelion wishes. Once home, Willow says goodnight to all of the animals. What with the name of the central character, the use of the river as a centralized feature, the spontaneous singing, and, of course, the obligatory picnic, this book develops connections to the nostalgic glory of Wind in the Willows. The watercolor-and-pencil illustrations are light and airy. They are also pale and indistinct, almost blurry at times, adding to the book's sense of tranquility. The story won't excite all kids; instead, it will lure the sensitive child into a state of simple calm.
Martha Topol, Traverse Area District Library, Traverse City, MI
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Walker Childrens Hardbacks
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 074456770X
• ISBN 13: 9780744567700
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32