Willoughby & the Lion

by Greg E. Foley

Book Overview

This is the story of Willoughby, whose new house feels too small and very lonely. It's also the story of an enchanted lion and spectacular wishes come true: of roller coasters, and fast, fast shoes,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061547506
• ISBN13: 9780061547508
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.3" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Another hit from this talented designer/illustrator/author

Perhaps it is mostly fashion people who have followed Foley's innovative work in the magazine "V" and the art book series "Visionaire"...now he has used his incredible design sense to create this magnificent book for children! The book is a testament to how great design enriches our lives... and why not start young? With its impressive cover and unique drawings, (not to mention wonderful story,) "Willoughby and the Lion" brings a whole other level to a child's library.

Visually inspiring!

I love the message of true friendship in this book but I also really appreciate the artwork. It is both simple enough for a child and sophisticated enough to surprise and delight adults. Very unique and makes a wonderful gift. A children's book that is actually cool.

Enchanting!

Willoughby wasn't at all happy with his new home until he found a lion that would grant him wishes. A wonderful book full of imagination, charm, and good writing. A great read aloud book to use with Six Trait writing in a classroom. There is also a lesson to be learned in this book - materialistic things do not make you happy.

Special wishes are sometimes golden ...

Willoughby lived in a really small house. It really was a disappointment because it was in the middle of nowhere and there wasn't a friend to be had. The only thing around was a big old rock smack dab in the middle of the yard. It wasn't long before things got a bit more interesting. There soon appeared a marvelous golden lion sitting on top of that rock. When Willoughby asked him why he was there, the lion told him he was going to grant him ten wishes. Mmmmmm! The lion mentioned to him that "unless you wish for the most wonderful thing of all, I'll be stuck on this rock forever." Willoughby started guessing, but even after nine wishes he wasn't successful. What was that special wish? This book blends simple black and white line drawings with some of the most unusual visual art I've never seen in a children's book. It has a limited palette, predominantly the gold seen on the cover of the book. I was impressed with the smooth flow of the writing and message that teaches the young child that the most valuable things in life aren't material. There is a removable gold cardboard coin with the answer to Willoughby's special wish in the back of the book for your child to cherish.