The Humpherys Family

Willow on the River
Record Added: 12/21/2009
A Favorite Book
Author 
Illustrator 
Series Willow the Teddy Bear
Setting England
Topic Animal Characters
 Friends
Publisher Candlewick Press
ISBN 0763610887   Year 2002
Age 4-8   Pages 32
Description Green binding
  
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.