The Museum of Willa and Wade - by Judith Henderson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Come one, come all to a very special event ... the grand opening of the Museum of Willa and Wade!

Willa and Wade (an ostrich and a penguin) discover something curious on their walk. The small round object is sparkly but looks very old. They've discovered a treasure! And it belongs in a museum. In fact, it belongs in their very own museum, which will be called the Museum of Willa and Wade (MOWW). So, how do you make a museum? Well, first they have to choose a location. A box labeled MOWW is just the thing. Next, they need to add a few more treasures. Wade's rock, handed down for generations, and Willa's dinosaur are perfect for rounding out the collection. Add a café and a grand opening and voilà! They've created the perfect museum - almost as perfect as their friendship!

Judith Henderson's graphic-novel series for early readers is a testament to trying new things, being undeterred by setbacks and learning as you go. The two adorable flightless birds are ever curious and always optimistic as they use creative problem-solving to work their way to solutions. Through it all, their friendship is the star, as the two are always open to each other's suggestions. Illustrations by Sara Sarhangpour add to the whimsical tone of the story and, with just a few per spread, never overwhelm young readers. This book offers excellent character-education lessons on teamwork, initiative and perseverance. It could also serve as a great discussion starter on the value of museums or on what the things we cherish represent to us.

Review Quotes

This adorable tale will delight any young child with a creative imagination.--Achool Library Journal

... imparts about the crucial role of teamwork, the power of perseverance, and the importance of friendship are not just special, they are invaluable.--Children's Literature (Praise for Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There)

A friendship tale that soars.--Kirkus Reviews (Praise for Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There)

Undoubtedly, many will look forward to reading more of Willa and Wade's adventures. Early elementary readers will delight in Willa and Wade's high jinks.--School Library Journal (Praise for Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There)

About the Author

Judith Henderson is a writer, composer and producer, and the author of AAAlligator!, This Is a Dog Book!, the Willa and Wade series and many other books for children. She created the theme song for the Emmy Award-winning show Arthur and has composed for many other shows as well. She lives in Montreal, Quebec.
Sara Sarhangpour is an Iranian Canadian illustrator from Toronto who creates silly and heartwarming drawings and comics. She loves all things cute and creepy (from cute little animals to campy '80s horror films) and hopes the whimsicality and humour of her work resonates with readers. She studied Illustration at Seneca College, and her clients include the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Chickadee Magazine and Kids Can Press.