Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There - by Judith Henderson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"When Willa and Wade see a bird fly by, they feel the pull of the sky. But Willa is an ostrich and Wade is a penguin. Can they reach their lofty goal? In this first book of a new graphic novel series for early readers, two dreamers try different ways -- from pirouettes to pogo sticks -- to get off the ground."--

Book Synopsis

Two best friends follow their flights of fancy in this charming early reader graphic novel.

Best friends Willa and Wade really want to fly. Sure, Willa's an ostrich and Wade's a penguin. But there must be something they can think of that will get them off the ground! The two thorough thinkers try different ways - from pirouettes to pogo sticks - to catch some air. But while they do a lot of trying, it doesn't lead to any flying! Will the friends ever find a way to reach their lofty goal?

Judith Henderson's graphic novel series for early readers features two lovable characters with an adventurous spirit and loads of heart. What the pair learn here is that, while ingenuity and effort can sometimes bring great results, having your best friend beside you to enjoy the experience is what really matters. Sara Sarhangpour's expressive illustrations, just a few per spread, supply just the right amount of humor and sweetness. With a lighthearted touch, this book encourages readers to follow their curiosity and try out their ideas, and provides child-friendly explorations of science concepts like forces and motion, properties of air and characteristics of flight.

Review Quotes

a whimsical tale of friendship, teamwork, and creative thinking ... A great introduction to graphic novels ...--The Quebec Library Association (ABQLA)

The way-up-there that Willa and Wade aspire to enjoy is not unlike the many ambitions we all have and, if two flightless birds can find a way to fly, then we can do our best to aim high and find solutions too.--CanLit for LittleCanadians

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

... 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

A friendship tale that soars.--Kirkus Reviews

... a sweet, gentle picture book about friendship and belonging.--Kirkus Reviews (Praise for This Is a Dog Book!)

A fable-like tale full of gentle twists that emphasize questioning assumptions and creative problem solving.--Publishers Weekly (Praise for AAAlligator!)

The trope of the unlikely friendship delivered with a traditional feel and a modern message.--Kirkus Reviews (Praise for AAAlligator!)

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.