Willow (Button)

A captivating picture book about a very soft-spoken little girl's ultimately successful struggle to find her own voice.

Willow is thrilled the whole class -- including her! -- is invited to classmate Kristabelle's fantastic birthday party, until the bossy birthday girl starts crossing guests off the list when they dare cross her. There are many books on bullying, but Willow's story offers a unique look at how to handle the situation as a bystander.

Willow is worried that she won't smile right for her school picture. She chooses the perfect outfit and practices her smiles, but at the sight of the big lights and the camera's flash Willow's smile disappears! When an understanding teacher gives her the job of shaking a rubber chicken to help make her classmates laugh, Willow discovers that no two smiles are the same. And when it's her turn, she delivers a picture-perfect expression all her own. Parents and teachers will welcome this third story in the Willow series as a lead-in to Picture Day and to discussions about feelings. Willow's experience will help bring a level of comfort and familiarity to this sometimes-intimidating annual event. Charmingly told and illustrated, Willow's Smile will leave readers grinning from ear to ear.