The Humpherys Family

Willow by the Sea

Record Added: 11/18/2010
A Favorite Book
Author 
Illustrator 
Series Willow the Teddy Bear
Setting England
Topic Animal Characters
 Friends
Publisher Candlewick Press
ISBN 0763614017   Year 2002
Age 4-8   Pages 30
Description Blue binding, no DJ
 
Willow the teddy bear lives in a picturesque English countryside. While sitting on his swing by the river, he decides that he wants to take a trip to the seaside. After finishing his farm chores, he invites his barnyard friends to join him. As they travel over Appleby Downs, they make up a song: "-A wind upon the water,/A warm and wistful day,/And miles and miles of sandy beach/Where all of us will play."

The friends have a grand time splashing in the water and enjoying a picnic lunch. After they watch the sun set, they head home and Willow tucks them into bed to dream of their perfect day. The delicate watercolor illustrations are a perfect match to this sweet, simply told story. With its slow, gentle pace, it would be lovely to share at bedtime. The musical score to Willow's dreamy "Sea Song" is included.
Notes
Beautiful pastel illustrations.