WILLOW AND BUNNY

Now Available!

From a Caldecott Honor winner and New York Times bestselling artist and a Christopher Award-winning author, a beautiful, heartfelt tale of friendship, community, and hope after a difficult experience.

Bunny needs a new home. After a long journey, he meets Willow and knows he will be safe beneath her branches. Every day is theirs to share. Just Bunny and Willow, Willow and Bunny.

Then, one evening, an angry spiral whips through the wood. Every creature in the forest runs to Willow for shelter. As the storm rages, Willow shields and protects them with all her might. But when the calm returns, Willow's beautiful branches are tattered, twisted, and forever changed. Bunny and the other creatures know it is their turn to help.


 

Reviews

“The cozy, kindhearted story is beautifully told, mixing moments of sweet simplicity and light peril with a gentle hand. Gorgeous digital illustrations glow on the page, capturing nature’s elemental extremes while also intimating the quiet rapport between the bunny and the tree. A gratifying glimpse of generous friendship.” — Booklist

“Emotionally cued text by Rowe Schulte and light-filled hyperrealistic landscapes by Denise tell the story of Bunny, who responds to an inner message and finds Willow, “tall, strong, soft, and steady.” This tale provides a vehicle for conversations both about weather catastrophes and, more generally, about strong bonds that endure through change.” — Publishers Weekly

Recognitions

  • Winner of a 2024 Christopher Award

  • Winner of a 2024 Crystal Kite Award - SCBWI Midwest Region

  • A Bank Street 2024 Best Children’s Book of the Year

  • A Children’s Book Council 2024 Librarian Favorite

  • The Original Art 2023: Featured Book (Society of Illustrators)


Elsie can’t wait to go to her first father-daughter dance. She picked out the perfect dress and has been practicing swirling and swaying in her wheelchair. Elsie’s heart pirouettes as she prepares for her special night. With gestures, smiles, and words from a book filled with pictures, she shares her excitement with her family. But when a winter storm comes, she wonders if she’ll get the chance to spin and dance her way to a dream come true.

Reviews

“A heartwarming portrayal of a family embracing disability”Kirkus ★ ( starred review)

“This sweet story is a great addition to any diverse and inclusive library”TODAY

“This heartfelt story is a must-read”Booklist

Recognitions

  • A Kirkus 2021 Best Picture Book of the Year

  • A Bank Street 2022 Best Children’s Book of the Year

  • Winner of the 2022 Dolly Gray Award

  • Winner of a 2022 Christopher Award

  • Crystal Kite Finalist - SCBWI Midwest Region


STARLIN

A new chapter book series

Coming Fall 2026 and Spring 2027


HOLIDAY BOOK DRIVE CHI

Check out the Book Drive page to learn about Holiday Book Drive Chi, an annual kidlit partnership with Pastor Michael Neal of Leading with Literacy, which connects young Chicago readers with new books. Join the book joy of the 8th annual event, this Holiday 2024!


THE BLOG

Visit my blog for tons of Kidlit Spotlight book reviews, Author Spotlight interviews, and my annual Picture Book Pics roundup. I’m also a part of the team at The Nora Project, a non-profit committed to building inclusive classrooms, and talk about disability and family life on my blog, too!