Willy's Stories

This chimp is a worthwhile companion; young readers will no doubt answer his call.

Browne’s paintings are filled with charming visual hints, such as books that appear in unusual places, which emphasize the transformative power of imagination. A good choice for read-alouds, particularly at a library.

Former British Children's Laureate Browne paints his famous chimpanzee hero Willy into 10 scenes from classic children's literature in a bid to fire readers' interest in them--and in the libraries where these books can be found. With text on the left-hand pages opposite one of Browne's splendid paintings, each spread offers a plot description that ends with a cliffhanger question. Willy is seen standing in for Robinson Crusoe, Robin Hood, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and others. "I'm youth, I'm joy," Willy-as-Peter taunts Captain Hook, reciting the boy's famous lines. "It was all nonsense of course," Willy continues, addressing readers, "but something very strange happened next.... What do you think it was?" In the paintings readers will discover books standing in for the rungs of ladders, walls of houses, and even seagulls. Many children will be familiar with at least some of the stories, and they will quickly learn about new ones. While less lighthearted than the winning mischief of Willy's Pictures, Browne's project provides a doorway into these sometimes intimidating works. Ages 5-8. (Nov.)

Copyright 2015 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 4--The author of One Gorilla (2013) and Willy's Pictures (1999, both Candlewick) brings back chimpanzee Willy, a mild-mannered dreamer in a sweater vest, for an imaginative tour of classic Western literature. Upon entering an unmarked library, Willy immediately places himself in the heart of the action of a string of well-known tales. Each verso offers a brief, first-person retelling of a classic story, breaking off at a cliff-hanger moment to ask readers a breathless question. Browne completes each spread with his signature primate-populated and gently surreal artwork, depicting a reimagined scene from each tale. Browne peppers the mixed-media pictures with clever touches: books or pencils appear in every image, serving as swords, trees, shark teeth, and even the building material for Dorothy's tornado-swept house. The book's distinguished design matches the weight of the centuries of stories found within, from the marbled endpapers to the decorative initial caps leading off each episode from Robinson Crusoe, The Tinderbox, The Wind in the Willows, and more. Younger picture book readers will experience few thrills of recognition, most having not yet encountered Treasure Island or The Adventures of Pinocchio, but some may be inspired to investigate the originals. Older readers may identify a few of the tales, and likely everyone will enjoy predicting the next episode in each adventure. VERDICT In a paean to storytelling and imagination, Browne offers introductions to his favorite literary thrills, but it's not clear that young readers will want to explore them too.--Robbin E. Friedman, Chappaqua Library, NY

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Willy the chimp is back, sharing his favorite books in a way that will stir the imaginations of the picture book audience...The book works to encourage children to explore their story-telling prowess and to introduce them to the excitement of reading." —School Library Connection