Just So Willow

by Sara Shacter, Stephanie Laberis (Illustrator)

The delightful story of a finicky polar bear who learns that having friends and fun is more important than things being “just so.”
 
Willow is a polar bear who likes things just so. She even irons her underwear and tidies her teacher! So when a storm covers her backyard in a smooth blanket of snow, she’s determined to keep it that way—in spite of all the other kids creating a lumpy, bumpy mess. Will Willow realize that being particular is making her miss out on all the fun? 

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2019

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sweet. I wish that I hadn't already done a "snow" theme for my school visits this year. This would have fit in Perfectly... Great job, Sara!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t a very persnickety kid but there were some things I wanted a certain way (probably because of my oldest-child temperament). Things like having unbroken crayons, or the thermos cup aligned with the thermos handle, and…I liked my snow pristine and unmarred, exactly like Willow in this delightful story about particular polar bear. A lot of type-A kids and even easy-going ones who occasionally have to have things a certain way can relate to Willow. All kids can definitely relate to the realization she comes to in the end!

[Terry]

This is more than a story about Willow's quest to keep a perfect blanket of snow. The plot is complemented by a story of her effort to solve problems herself (and creatively). She also shows readers how she worries about what could happen. Illustrating that concept for young readers is a way of helping them understand the idea of anticipating the result of a choice or action.

Highly recommended for winter reading aloud.

[Marcie Flinchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow is just so finicky. She needs everything to be perfect. When it snows, the yard is perfect. Until…neighborhood critters start mucking it up with snowballs. She tries and tries and tries to get them to stop. When she accidentally lands in the middle of them, she realizes there’s maybe different kinds of perfect. The word play in this book is just so perfect. It also is the perfect text for talking to kids about trying something new. Highly recommend.

[Shan Salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

JUST SO WILLOW
By S. Shacter (Illustrated by S. Lamberis)

If you are missing the snow-filled and chilly days of winter, this book is for you!

Willow is the sweetest perfectionist ever and her polar bear cuteness and steely determination are a great combination in this picture book about how to adapt when things don’t go your way.

Lyrical language and gorgeous illustrations make this the perfect read-aloud to share with little ones. But be warned- one reading won’t be nearly enough!

[Carol Saller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just So Willow is an engaging picture book with a subtle message. At the beginning we learn that Willow the polar bear likes things “just so.” Then we find out what happens when she’s faced with chaos. Super messy kids will find Willow’s foibles hilarious, while kids who want total neatness control might be challenged to let go a bit. Laberis’s illustrations add emotion and energy to Shacter’s bouncing, expressive text.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something magical about a pristine blanket of snow. It is just so neat and clean looking. Willow wants to keep it that way, but the rambunctious neighbors are making a snowy mess. In an effort to stop their antics, she accidentally learns what fun can be had when things are not just so. A brightly illustrated story celebrating the upside of change.

[Richard Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can relate to Willow, a delightfully neurotic polar bear who starts off fiercely protective of the freshly-fallen snow in her yard, but ends up throwing caution to the wind to enjoy a rollicking day with friends. Author Sara Shacter uses snappy text to give Willow's nervous neatness a sassy edge, while illustrator Stephanie Laberis' art is playful and dynamic. Five out of five snowballs!

[Stephanie Lucianovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly delightful and relatable story about how letting go of inflexibility can have surprising and fun results. Many children will definitely see themselves in Willow and understand so much of who she is.

[Maria Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story about learning to be a little less particular and a little more open to the fun "chaos" brings.

[Ann]

Love how Willow doesn’t have to change who she is (which can be either just an element of her personality or a subtle nod to presentation of autism or OCD) to have fun and be accepted by friends.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Just so Willow" was part of our March Madness Book Contest in my primary school this spring. The kids loved Willow! A delightful story and the crisp illustrations fit the snow theme perfectly.

[Rebecca Dougherty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is fine. I was contacted by the author to do a reading at our school that I'll possibly explore next winter.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, Willow! This particular polar bear likes things Just So. (She irons her underwear — that should tell you much of what you need to know about her!) When Willow’s desire to keep everything tidy and perfect might prevent her from having winter fun with her neighbors, she finds a way to loosen up a bit without being untrue to her just-so self. Cute and cartoony illustrations add whimsy to an already fun story. Shacter clearly understands Willow-like kids — I know they’ll love this story, too.