Willow’s Gumboots by Beverley McWilliams. Illus. by Helene Magisson

A gorgeous new picture book by South Australian author Beverley McWilliams is sure to be a must-have for all library shelves whether it be a home, school or public library. Beautifully illustrated by Hélène Magisson, this gentle, whimsical story tells of Willow and her much-loved red gumboots. These gumboots go wherever she goes and are a favourite part of her daily adventures.

Willow wears her boots to the beach, in the garden, when she is dancing, riding her bike, playing her violin, to parties and out in the rain. But what happens when Willow’s boots develop holes? When children laugh at her boots? Willow hides them. Until… one day Willow has a brilliant idea as she watches her mother in the garden planting in spring. Her gumboots will make the perfect new home for flowers.

Throughout this narrative each carefully constructed sentence perfectly conveys the story. With the striking illustrations to further complement the text, the reader is taken on an enchanting journey through the seasons to a new beginning. A clever use of rich language to describe how Willow moves in her boots enhances the natural flow of the story.

She twisted, twirled, whizzed and whirled.
She bounced, hopped, ran and flopped.

As a brilliant addition to the book there is information about upcycling plus an excellent example of a procedural text for making your own gumboot plant pot which could provide a valuable teaching moment for Early Years teachers and their students.

A delightful picture book to read aloud, savour and share.

Themes: Gumboots, Gardening, Nature, Upcycling.

Kathryn Beilby