Whistle for Willie (Turtleback School & Library edition)

Must reading

I wore out a copy of this book when my kids were small and now I'm wearing out this copy with my grandkids. The author shares what it's like when you can't do something and the joy of finally being able to do it. He uses simple language but doesn't talk down to the kids.

I was glad to find out that Ezra Jack Keats had written and illustrated more stories about Peter, the little boy who goes out in the snow in his The Snowy Day. Whistle for Willie finds Peter in the heat of summer, trying to whistle so he can call his dog. Both the simple story and the glorious paper-collage artwork exude warmth and delight in simple childhood pleasures. I loved the picture showing Peter's mom and dad proud of his new skill, whistling. My kids (and I, let's be honest) enjoyed it very much. And do check out the other 'Peter' stories, A Letter To Amy and Peter's Chair.