Willow Finds a Way by Lana Button-ESSENTIAL

Button, Lana Willow Finds a Way. Illustrated by Tania Howells. 32 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2013. $16.95. PICTURE BOOK.  This is the perfect book for classroom discussion on bullying and doing what’s right when everyone else choses the opposite.  Willow wants desperately to go to Kristabelle’s birthday party.  Kristabelle realizes that she can make everyone do whatever she asks them to do if they want an invitation to her party.  Willow sits at Kristabelle’s table for snack, she claps for Kristabelle’s tricks on the playground and she even wears pink because pink is Kristabelle’s favorite color.  If you don’t do what Kristabelle says, your name will be crossed off her birthday list.  Willow watches Kristabelle act inappropriately and knows she is downright mean but Willow can’t bring herself to say anything.  Finally, Willow finds a way to solve the problem.  Her solution might mean that she is uninvited to the party, but Willow knows her decision is the correct one.  This book has a great message that needs to be heard in classrooms everywhere.  The illustrations are delightful.  Each page is colorful and inviting.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: SL.