Willy Nilly

Description

32 pages
Contains Illustrations
$14.95
ISBN 0-7737-2429-X
DDC jC813'.54

Year

1990

Contributor

Reviewed by Joan Buchanan

Joan Buchanan is a writer, storyteller and instructor, and author of
Taking Care of My Cold.

Review

Willy Nilly is Gay’s adaptation of her puppet play Bonne Fкte Willy,
a production that Théвtre de l’Oeil has been touring throughout
Canada. Readers may also be familiar with Gay’s other fine picture
books, including Moonbeam on a Cat’s Ear.

In this birthday story, Willy discovers a big box of magic tricks,
which he wastes no time in putting to use. Soon he has problems on his
hands: his sister is an elephant and his neighbor is a fish, and he
can’t find the antidote! The ending has an engaging twist.

Children four to seven will enjoy the playful language spiced with
rhyme, repetition, and lists. The colorful illustrations suit the text
well, providing lots of action, intriguing details, and a fitting,
slightly off-kilter perspective.

The book is well bound and should stand up to much handling. Willy
Nilly is full of fun—an excellent addition to any library.

Citation

Gay, Marie-Louise., “Willy Nilly,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed October 13, 2024, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/24242.