Hello Readers!

I hope you’re holding up well. For me I’m kind of hanging on by a strand. Lately I’ve been feeling bogged down and overworked, and sometimes you just need time to yourself to relax. Reading has always done that for me, but with all the darkness of the outside world right now I wanted something light hearted.

That’s why today’s review is all about Willodeen by Katherine Applegate. 

I’ve been a fan of Applegate since Animorphs (I re-read the whole series!), and I was aware that she wrote more heart-warming works even though I hadn’t tried any of them out. Cue to one of my thrift store runs when I saw this book on the shelf and snatched it up.

I had high hopes for this one, so let’s see how it went!

Blurb

From #1 New York Times bestseller Katherine Applegate, a singular middle-grade novel about a girl who risks everything to help a handmade creature who comes to life.

The earth is old and we are not, and that is all you must remember . . .

Eleven-year-old Willodeen adores creatures of all kinds, but her favorites are the most unlovable beasts in the strange beasts known as “screechers.” The villagers of Perchance call them pests, even monsters, but Willodeen believes the animals serve a vital role in the complicated web of nature.

Lately, though, nature has seemed angry indeed. Perchance has been cursed with fires and mudslides, droughts and fevers, and even the annual migration of hummingbears, a source of local pride and income, has dwindled. For as long as anyone can remember, the tiny animals have overwintered in shimmering bubble nests perched atop blue willow trees, drawing tourists from far and wide. This year, however, not a single hummingbear has returned to Perchance, and no one knows why.

When a handmade birthday gift brings unexpected magic to Willodeen and her new friend, Connor, she’s determined to speak up for the animals she loves, and perhaps even uncover the answer to the mystery of the missing hummingbears.

A timely and timeless tale about our fragile earth, and one girl’s fierce determination to make a difference.

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***Brief disclosure***

I am an Amazon and Bookshop.org affiliate and earn a tiny commission for purchases made through the links in this post at no cost to you. It’s a great way to help me keep things running on my blog if you’re already intrigued enough to make a purchase. 

The Review

I loved every bit of this heartwarming tale!

Young Willodeen has always loved animals of every shape and size, especially those who are  unwanted or misunderstood. She is fond of the screechers that live in the wilds of her small town, but they are labeled as pests and quickly become endangered. When the loss of the screechers impact the local faire that sustains the residents of town financially, Willodeen digs into the mystery of how the local ecosystem works and tries to turn things around.

Willodeen is the star of this novel and really makes everything work. She has a big heart and curious nature that spurs the novel forward. She also deals with her trauma and the loss that resulted from that, and that made her so relatable and easy to root for. Connor was a great sidekick to Willodeen and their uneasy path to friendship really shined.

I loved getting to know about the otherworldly creatures that populated Willodeen’s world, especially the cute little hummingbears. The plot revolves around the local wildlife and Willodeen learning how to trust people again. That made every chapter interesting, and the little sprinkle of magic throughout this story was really fascinating as well.

I absolutely adored this book, and it’s great for the kiddos and adults alike. Definitely give it a try!

That’s A Wrap!

Well that’s it for this book review. Like what you see? Leave a tip!

Have you read this book? Are there other similar books you’ve read that you simply have to gush about? Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to start a conversation!

Have a great day!

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