Willa and Woof; Jacqueline Harvey

Willa and Woof are back in two more paw-some tales! Written by award-winning author Jacqueline Harvey, this is a woofing great series for young readers.

Birthday Business

When Willa discovers that it is her best old-age friend Frank’s birthday she knows that she just has to throw him a party. Frank, not being a big party animal, is happy to not celebrate and definitely did not ask for a party. But an 80th birthday needs to be celebrated. However, with no location, no food, no cook, no guests, a lost diary and a dog not learning new tricks, the party will be a disaster. Can Willa and Woof get the ultimate party back on track? And Will Frank attend…

Grandparents for Hire

Morning tea, a concert and a chance to meet everyone’s grandparents, it can only be one thing… Grandparents’ Day at school. When Willa learns that not everyone has a grandparent to bring she comes up with the perfect solution, hire one from the retirement village next to her home. But things are not going to plan. Her best old-age friend Frank wants no part of it and Woof is acting weirdly. With Grandparents’ Day fast approaching can Willa make it the best day ever or will it be a disaster…

Books two and three in this delightful series about eight-year-old Willa and her best four-legged friend are heaps of fun, hugely entertaining and are brilliant reads for dog and animal lovers. Celebrating family, friendship, community and coming together, and with plenty of surprises in store and challenges along the way, these fun and sparky tales are loaded with humour, heart and kindness and will leave readers barking for more.

Narrator Willa quickly becomes our new BFF as she takes us on sweet adventures with her friends, neighbours and beloved yet often mischievous dog as she tries to plan the perfect party and ensure that Grandparents’ Day at school is a success. Willa is such a likeable and relatable girl. With a brain full of ideas and schemes - not always sensible ones - the thoughtful and caring child is a resourceful problem solver who is determined to find a solution for everything - often to the mild frustrations of Frank.

It is fabulous to see friendships blossoming between the young and the old and I loved that Willa is always trying to help out the elderly residents that she lives next to. Willa is an absolute darling and even grumpy old Frank is endearing in his own way. The duo proving that age is no barrier to meaningful friendships and youngsters can bring much joy to the lives of older people, even those as crabby as Frank.

Those gaining in confidence and beginning to read independently will adore these charming tales. Black and white illustrations sprinkled throughout, chapters that end on cliff hangers, a hand-drawn map of Cricklewood Crescent, oversized text and smile-inducing chapter headings make for a tail-wagging triumph.

With huge thanks to Penguin Random House for the copies I received in exchange for honest reviews.

Recommended for 6+.