Book Review of Willie’s Gift
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The Children’s Book Review
Willie’s Gift
Written by Clairmarie H. Field
Illustrated by Maggie Sullivan
Ages: 5-7 | 20 Pages
Publisher: Mascot Kids (2025) | ISBN: 979-8891383289
What to Expect: Pets, dogs, fitting in, self-acceptance, compassion, and listening.
Sweet, loving, and obedient, Willie the Yorkshire terrier is the perfect character to teach young readers about the importance of listening to others, as well as about self-acceptance and finding a purpose in life.
Willie feels anxious about his appearance when he first starts puppy training school—especially his big, silky ears. Willie is unsure why he looks so different from the other dogs in the school, and he worries that he doesn’t fit in. Then, a visit to his human mother’s Aunt Grace in her nursing home changes everything. As Aunt Grace talks about her past, Willie’s patient, careful listening makes her so happy, and Willie comes to realize that his big ears give him a special ability—the ability to listen to others. Soon, other guests in the nursing home want to meet Willie, too—word about the joy his listening brings has gotten around!
This uplifting picture book not only takes readers on Willie’s journey from self-doubt to self-belief but also captivates them with its beautiful pen and watercolor artwork that perfectly captures Willie’s lively personality. The long-form text is rich in detail about his thoughts and emotions, making it perfect for more advanced readers as well as for shared discussion in the classroom or at home.
For readers who love dogs or wonder about their own appearance, Willie’s Gift is a lovely story that resonates with the universal theme of learning to appreciate your own uniqueness, giving it the potential to inspire and educate young readers about this important life lesson.
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About the Author
Clairmarie H. Field is a writer, artist, teacher, mother, and animal lover. As a teacher, she is passionate about inspiring young children to read. She has combined this desire with a special bond with her dog, Willie, to create a new book that will engage young children. As an animal lover, Clairmarie has always housed a menagerie of pets, including dogs, cats, bunnies, and even hamsters and chickens. This is her third children’s book, each intended to teach a life lesson to young children through the beauty of nature and beloved animal stories.
To learn more about Clairmarie, visit CMBookWorks.com.
Dedicated Reviews allow authors and illustrators to gain prompt visibility for their work. This is a sponsored*, non-biased review of Willie’s Gift. Learn more about getting a book review …
