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Willis
Willis needs twenty-nine cents to buy sunglasses and his friends Snake, Bird, and Lobster decide to help him work for the money, in a previously released title now back in print. Simultaneous.
- GenresPicture Books
46 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 1974
8 people want to read
About the author
James Marshall
149 books144 followersJames Edward Marshall (October 10, 1942 – October 13, 1992), who also wrote as Edward Marshall, was a children's author and illustrator.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
His father worked on the railroad, was a band member in the 1930s, and his mother sang in the local church choir. His family later moved to Beaumont, Texas. Marshall said: "Beaumont is deep south and swampy and I hated it. I knew I would die if I stayed there so I diligently studied the viola, and eventually won a scholarship to the New England Conservatory in Boston."[1] He entered the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, but injured his hand, ending his music career. He returned to Texas, where he attended San Antonio College, and later transferred to Southern Connecticut State University where he received degrees in French and history.
It is said that he discovered his vocation on a 1971 summer afternoon, lying on a hammock drawing. His mother was watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and the main characters, George and Martha, ultimately became characters in one of his children's books. Marshall continued as a children's author until his untimely death in 1992 of a brain tumor. In 1998, George and Martha became the basis of an eponymous animated children's television show.
In addition to George and Martha, the lovable hippopotami, James Marshall created dozens of other uniquely appealing characters. He is well-known for his Fox series (which he wrote as "Edward Marshall"), as well as the Miss Nelson books, the Stupids, the Cut-ups, and many more. James Marshall had the uncanny ability to elicit wild delight from readers with relatively little text and simple drawings. With only two minute dots for eyes, his illustrated characters are able to express a wide range of emotion, and produce howls of laughter from both children and adults.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 21, 2020
A variety of critters are willing to do whatever it takes to earn money to buy sunglasses for an unhappy gator. Unfortunately, they're all pretty inept. The story's cute enough, though I'm still scratching my head over the odd color palette.
March 30, 2020
Another one from James Marshall! This one has a crocodile named simply Willis, a cute reptile (unlike some other "Willis" who happens to be an action star) who lays on the beach looking sad (which IS kinda like the other "Willis"!) because he has no sunglasses! And he needs 29 cents for a cool pair (the other "Willis", call him "Brucey", would look ugly with or without the Hollywood shades! Sorry, could not resist!) So his buddies Snake, Lobster and Bird decide to help out by locating jobs to make cents. Make sense? But of course things don't go as intended, even when they apply for position of lifeguards at the local pool. Willis, despite his crocodile nature, don't know how to swim!!! The other three: fuggedaboutit! So the head lifeguard turtle gets mad as "shell" and jumps into the pool steamin! So now all four of our impoverished animal heroes come up with one final idea: do something each one is good at as part of a talent show! Simplistic, yes, but it's endearing and fun, the way a James Marshall book always is. James Marshall is a kids book legend, and Willis is further proof which make all other need for further evidence unnecessary!
Four stars
Willis IS what we talkin about!!!
Four stars
Willis IS what we talkin about!!!
May 13, 2023
Finding money to buy sunglasses.
If you find that a poignant-and-important mission for animals to undertake, you're going to love this book.
If you find that a poignant-and-important mission for animals to undertake, you're going to love this book.
August 29, 2025
the sunglasses would've cost $1.76 in the modern age according to google. what a deal
January 9, 2013
Three friends stumble upon an unhappy creature. He needs $0.29 to buy a pair of sunglasses so he can see what's happening around him in the bright sunlight of the beach. They get and lose a series of jobs in order to raise the amount they need, but it's not until they each pursue the things that they love and that they are good at that the friends successfully reach their goal.
A good story, though long, with a happy ending. I LOVED the artwork in this book. The squinty eyes of the alligator are awesome and I loved the green water, keeping in line with the color palette, in the pool when the friends attempt to be lifeguards.
A good story, though long, with a happy ending. I LOVED the artwork in this book. The squinty eyes of the alligator are awesome and I loved the green water, keeping in line with the color palette, in the pool when the friends attempt to be lifeguards.
May 30, 2011
A bird, snake and lobster set off to help Willis the crocodile earn enough money to buy some sunglasses. Marshall has a great gift for children's stories both with his words and art. I found this one to be particularly entertaining and with a very important moral -- one that many out-of-work parents should consider.
December 3, 2014
Hmm ... just not on par with Marshall's other writing. Not all of his stories make sense, but at least they don't have the giant plot holes this one does. This man was prolific, though, and very talented, and I don't think that this one story should matter in the grand scheme of things. I'm on to Portly McSwine next!
December 25, 2012
I love the idea that the key to getting what you want in life is discovering your passions. And I remember thinking when I was a kid that Snake was the cutest thing I'd ever seen. This is just a wonderful book.
February 1, 2013
About a group of friends trying to earn enough money for a pair of sun glasses. They try to get jobs to pay for them, but failed at many of them. Finally the lobster suggested a talent show.
I would want any student to read this because it is humorous and there are different lessons to learn.
I would want any student to read this because it is humorous and there are different lessons to learn.
February 17, 2013
I liked how this book demonstrates how at first everyone may not be good at something but working together will achieve a goal. This book shows how if you are determined you will succeed which is an important message for kids.
September 15, 2007
James Marshall was truly a genius.
April 21, 2008
everyone is good at something. and what they love to do most is what they are great at.
a brilliant message from james marshall. again.
a brilliant message from james marshall. again.
August 25, 2016
My 5-year-old son picked out this book from the library today. I enjoyed reading it to him and it had wonderful illustrations. He asked me to read it to him twice, so I know he liked it as well.
March 17, 2016
WAY too long.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews