Katherine Applegate has surpassed herself with Willodeen. A cautionary tale about the results of the misuse of nature, this story doesn’t hold much back. Raw with loss, the main (human) character must deal with unspeakable tragedy. Yet Applegate treats the subject with pragmatism; just the way children need to deal with difficulties. And with loved ones, which Willodeen grows to accept.

The primary purpose of the book is to illustrate how nature (and humans) are connected. That these connections are what insures a healthy future for all. A rich springboard for limitless discussions and studies about nature and humans’ responsibility for our planet and all of the inhabitants, Whether feathered, furred, or finned.

In Willodeen, Katherine Applegate brings to life a magical world with fascinating creatures like screeches and hummingbears. While the hummingbears are cute and beloved, the screechers are stinky beasts that are almost hunted to extinction. No one likes them but Willodeen, an eleven year old girl that loves all animals and understands that nature is a delicate balance. Fans of The One and Only Ivan will love this book as well with it's short chapters, lovable characters, and important message of acceptance.

Fast paced but very tender, Willodeen is set in an alternative US populated by magic and unusual animals. Key amongst them are the monstrous "screechers," beasts which seem to be blue-hued combinations of boars and skunks, and the far more appealing hummingbears. Willodeen's community is largely reliant on income generated during an annual celebration of the latter and views the former to be such a pest that they've been nearly hunted to extinction. But now the hummingbears are becoming rarer and rarer too and it's only Willodeen who makes the connection between the two trends. A very accessible (and sometimes adorable) story about nature and conservation with strong themes of loss, recovery, and embracing difference throughout.

This whimsical novel is reminiscent of the gorgeous pros that Applegate normally writes. The protagonist Willodene is dealing with a loss and she’s trying to figure out how to navigate this new world without the family she had before. She realizes the family is sometimes found through the depths of trauma. The story mixes magic with the promise of change and healing.

Another huge hit from Katherine Applegate!! This is one of my favorites she has written. I love how Applegate takes important issues (in this case our co-dependence on nature and on one another) and gives it a fantasy spin. I love how in all her books she keeps chapters short which makes it harder to put down. Kids as well as adults will love this one. I love the characters, both human and not. Well done and beautifully written.