Willow is a terrific book! It reminds the reader of the importance of creativity and kindness. Willow is a sweet-spirited little girl with an amazing degree of creativity. She finds herself in art class with Miss Hawthorn a teacher who demands that all trees look the same. When Willow attempts to utilize her creativity in her assignments, the art teacher will have none of it and remarks that she is a “horrid little girl…”.
When Christmas arrives the only student who gives Miss Hawthorn a gift is Willow, and it is not just any gift. Willow gives her beloved art book to her. This act of kindness serves as the catalyst to Miss Hawthorn’s transformation. She starts with doodling and then begins to paint. When the students come back to school in January, their art room and teacher have truly changed.
There is power in kindness and creativity!