WILLOW TAKES ON THE WEATHER

One young force of nature tackles several others when rain and wind swoop in to spoil her plans to play outside.

Having gathered up a pool toy and other props for a round of play outdoors, Willow—portrayed as a tan-skinned child with unruly red hair—is in no mood to let a storm interfere. But when her determined efforts to blow away the swirling winds, push off the gray clouds, and bat back the rain prove futile, she changes tack and goes on to enjoy a morning of dancing in puddles with a puffy dark cloud, playing tug of war with the purple wind, and chasing rainbows until it’s time to go back indoors and the sun comes out to beam brightly over all. “Thank you, Weather! Get ready for tomorrow,” she beams back, gathering her gear and waving goodbye. “We’ve got big plans!” The aptly named illustrator depicts the various weather elements in translucent digital watercolors with smiling faces. Willow displays an admirable mix of strongmindedness and adaptability, with a big personality that shines out in the splashy illustrations. Readers with a taste for solitary play who identify with characters such as Peter in Ezra Jack Keats’ Snowy Day will enjoy this summery alternative.

A sunny tale about making the most of stormy weather.