Willow - by Elisabeth Sophia (Hardcover)

About the Book

" Willow is a heartfelt picture book inspired by a poem written during a time of profound grief. It tenderly captures the slow and gentle rebuilding of a broken spirit, showcasing the courage and resilience needed to push through life's darkest moments. The stunning, evocative illustrations bring the story to life, creating a visual journey that mirrors the emotional healing process. Each page reflects the grace found in grief and the beauty in rediscovering hope. With its universal message, Willow reminds readers, both young and old, that from our struggles, we emerge stronger and more vibrant."--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A beautiful story of courage and resilience--Willow shows us that it is not the fall, but how we rise again, that matters.

A willow tree stood proud and tall, roots deep within the soil...

Willow is a heartfelt picture book inspired by a poem written during a time of profound grief. It tenderly captures the slow and gentle rebuilding of a broken spirit, showcasing the courage and resilience needed to push through life's darkest moments. The stunning, evocative illustrations bring the story to life, creating a visual journey that mirrors the emotional healing process. Each page reflects the grace found in grief and the beauty in rediscovering hope. With its universal message, Willow reminds readers, both young and old, that from our struggles, we emerge stronger and more vibrant.

Review Quotes

"Dynamic, dramatic spreads ... [A] short, lyrical tale, depicting resilience in a fantasy world that's still subject to the vicissitudes of nature."--Booklist

"Sophia's sophomore picture book introduces the eponymous Willow as a graceful, dewy-eyed anthropomorphic being with sinewy limbs and flowing tresses of greenery, whose roots are set at a lake rimmed with purple mountains. Willow serenely withstands the regular ebb and flow of weather and seasons--tolerating birds' nests and insects' eggs--until a spectacular storm threatens to break not just her limbs but also her will. Though battered, the tree creature is inspired to persevere, affirmed by a cheerful flock of butter-yellow birds who attend her. Gestural brush work, loosely decorated with spots and strands of delineated leaf shapes, defines the tree's foliage as a flowing head of hair; linework over painterly color articulates whorls of bark in Willow's outstretched arms, as well as in the rhythms of pulsing rain and furious waters. Dynamic, dramatic spreads are punctuated by small wordless vignettes paced to sequence Willow's uneven progress toward ultimate peace. The impressionistic imagery suits the expressive poetry of this short, lyrical tale, depicting resilience in a fantasy world that's still subject to the vicissitudes of nature."--Booklist

About the Author

Elisabeth Sophia is an Australian children's author with a background in nursing. She is also the mother of two beautiful little boys who inspire and share her love of picture books. Elisabeth is passionate about writing stories for children that engage and entertain them, but also empower them to be brave, hopeful and more connected to their feelings and their world. After losing her mother to cancer in 2018, Elisabeth wrote If You Were Here as a tribute to her mum and three-year-old-son, Jack, to capture their love and eternal bond. Since then she has also authored Beresford Bear, Moonlight, Goodnight and Willow. You can find Elisabeth on Instagram @ elisabethsophia_author.

Anita Bagdi is a self-taught freelance children's book illustrator, a mum of

two wonderful girls and a worried warrior of climate change. With her quirky,

whimsical book illustrations, she loves creating mood, capturing everyday

feelings and telling a story with a twist or a sparkle of magic. In her spare time,

she shares powerful illustrations about our relationship with the natural world

and explores folk art from her Hungarian cultural heritage. Anita lives with her

family in the sunny Bournemouth, UK.