Book Review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends
Sponsored* | All opinions are our own
The Children’s Book Review
Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends
Written by Jen Kirkley
Illustrated by M. Brayer
Ages: 0+ | 38 Pages
Publisher: Palmetto Publishing | ISBN: 979-8-82292-014-9
What to Expect: Diversity, Friendship, Acceptance, Adventure, and Self-discovery
In her debut children’s book, Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends, author Jen Kirkley crafts a heartwarming tale that skillfully addresses the challenges of making new friends and embracing differences. Through the adventures of the titular character, Willard, Kirkley delivers a touching message about acceptance, kindness, and the beauty of diversity.
The story follows Willard DoGooder, a young character struggling to make friends in his new class. Feeling out of place, Willard stumbles upon a magical trail that leads him to four unique friends: Theodore, the dancing brown bear; Tommy, the near-sighted tiger; Thatch, the singing shark; and Layla, the lettuce-eating squirrel. Each character represents a different form of “otherness,” allowing young readers to explore various types of diversity. The interactions between Willard and his new friends are genuine and touching, demonstrating the power of acceptance and friendship.
The book’s central theme revolves around embracing differences and finding strength in our differences. Kirkley introduces a valuable framework for children to approach unfamiliar situations: “Name the difference, find something good about it, and move on with kindness.” This simple yet effective strategy is woven throughout the narrative, providing young readers with a practical tool for navigating social situations and understanding others.
Kirkley’s writing is clear and engaging, with a rhythm that will appeal to young readers. Her characters are well-developed and relatable, each with their own insecurities and strengths. The dialogue feels natural, and the descriptions are vivid, bringing the magical trail and its inhabitants to life. The book’s themes are presented in an accessible, age-appropriate manner that encourages empathy and understanding, serving as an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers looking to discuss diversity, inclusion, and friendship with young children. The story provides numerous opportunities for meaningful conversations about accepting others and oneself.
The soft color palette and watercolor feel of M. Brayer’s illustrations play a crucial role in enhancing the story’s whimsical and inclusive nature. The visuals bring the unique characters to life and reinforce the book’s themes by beautifully capturing a wide range of emotions and the changing seasons as Willard travels along the magical trail, from fall to winter, spring, and summer, before returning to fall.
Jen Kirkley’s Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends is a charming and thoughtful children’s book with an engaging story, relatable characters, and a positive message that make it a standout in the realm of children’s literature focused on inclusion. This book is highly recommended for young readers and is sure to spark meaningful discussions about friendship, acceptance, and the beauty of our differences.
Buy the Book
About the Author
Jen Kirkley is a wife and mother of four who works as a physician assistant in cardiothoracic surgery. She lives in Louisiana with her family in a house they have enjoyed renovating over the past ten years. On a daily basis, someone in her home is usually dressed up as a superhero or ninja. Jen enjoys running, reading, tea lattes, and road trips.
For more information, visit dogoodbookseries.com
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Willard DoGooder and the Trail of Friends. Learn more about getting a book review …
