Willa and Woof: Wedding rescue by Jacqueline Harvey

Wedding Rescue is the fourth book in a very popular new series, Willa and Woof. Created by talented Australian author, Jacqueline Harvey, this story is filled with beautiful friendships, across the generations, a little suspense and some problem solving too.

Willa is an eight and three quarter year old girl, who has a beloved albino Irish wolf hound named Woof. They do almost everything together and both enjoy visiting their friend, Frank, who lives next door in his retirement villa. Willa also has a best friend, Tae, who is eight and a half years old.

On a hot Summer’s day, Willa is excited for Aunty Jane’s upcoming wedding, but she is not happy about the meringue style dress that has been chosen for her to wear. Frank is trying to console her, but to no avail. When a fire breaks out not far away from their home, Willa quickly forgets about the silly dress fiasco and becomes very worried about ‘the dragon on the mountain’.

Everyone tells her thing are going to be fine, but Willa has a bad feeling. When people in the neighbourhood realise the fire is coming towards them, Willa is really scared. Thankfully, rain comes and puts the raging fire out, but unfortunately, the fire has destroyed Aunty Jane’s wedding venue and it looks as if the wedding will have to be cancelled. Can Willa and her friends work together to give Aunty Jane’s the special day she was hoping for?

Jacqueline Harvey has created a storyline with real situations and relatable people. Moving smoothly from one venture to the next, with illustrations and an easy to read text, this would make a suitable read for children who are past the emerging novel stage and looking for a slightly longer text. 

For young readers who enjoy a main character with a ‘friend next door’ feel, Willa and Woof is a great read.

Themes: Friendship, Emotions, Problem solving, Family.

Michelle O'Connell