Description: "Willow, a farm cat from Pennsylvania, adjusts to her new home, the White House, where she finds new places to play and friendly staff members who, regardless of their busy schedules, warmly embrace her presence"--
Brief description: Kate Berube is the author-illustrator of Mae's First Day of School and Hannah and Sugar, which won the Marion Vannett Ridgway Award and the Oregon Book Award for Children's Literature and was shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize. She is the illustrator of John's Turn, written by Mac Barnett, which won the Irma Black Silver Medal, and The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read, written by Curtis Manley, which won a CLEL Bell Award and was a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Kate Berube lives in Oregon with her family.
Review Quotes: First Lady Biden and Capucilli, author of the Biscuit series, explain how Willow the cat came to reside at the White House.
Willow lives contentedly in a barn. One day, she's curious when cars approach and people gather to hear a blond woman speak. Willow draws closer, then is delighted as the woman lifts her up and hugs her. That evening, light-skinned Farmer Rick tells Willow she made "quite an impression" The visitor has invited Willow to live with her. A car arrives to drive Willow away to the White House, her new home in Washington, D.C. There, she's welcomed by the first lady--the same woman who tenderly held her at the farm. Willow meets the president and explores her new home, filled with elegantly furnished rooms, grand staircases, and historic portraits. Plus, there's a toy-filled basket! Best of all, there are wonderful people who work in and visit this beautiful house who show Willow kindness and affection. Willow's favorite resting spot is at the president's side in the Oval Office, though she also enjoys watching the first lady read to children on the lawn. Animal lovers will especially appreciate this sweet, cat's-eye view of the White House, which helps humanize the first family by depicting them as ordinary feline fanciers. The loose ink, acrylic, and paint illustrations are cheerful and cozy. Background characters are racially diverse. Kids will enjoy the opportunity to "mews" on the doings of a presidential pet. (author's note from Biden, photos) (Picture book. 5-8)--Kirkus Reviews "5/15/24"