Willow's Walkabout
by Sheila Cunningham, Kathie Kelleher
Imagine that you are Willow the Wallaby, who has come from Australia to live in the Stone Zoo New England, and all day long you overhear young visitors talking about all the great sights to see in the Boston area. After making a list, wouldn't you want to hop over your fence and set off on a walkabout (that's what Australians call a walking tour)? Packing her notebook, pen and anything else she might need conveniently in her pouch, one foggy night, Willow hops over the fence and begins her mission to see as many of the interesting and fun places in the city as she can over the next several days. Setting up a little tent in the Boston Garden, she begins her adventure the next day on the famous Swan Boats, right away meeting a nice little boy who tells where to go next. Taking lots of notes, Willow goes from one fun-filled location to another even ending up hopping her way through the Boston Marathon, all the time collecting souvenirs to bring back to her many friends at the zoo. There is so much to see in beautiful Boston, it is difficult to decide where to go first; so let Willow be your guide in this delightful book.
Hardcover
English
Brand New
Author Biography
Sheila S. Cunningham, based her story on the real life story of Aardu, a most inquisitive and ingenious wallaby who, many years ago, went missing from Stone Zoo in Stoneham, MA. Aardu's escape and voluntary return to the zoo made headline news not only in Boston, Massachusetts, but all across the USA. A proud native of Scranton, PA, Sheila experienced love at first sight when she arrives in Boston to attend graduate school. A lawyer, and now author, she is a devoted fan of all things Boston Kathie Kelleher is descended from a long line of talented and interesting characters, from bell-helmeted deep sea divers to Cape Breton bagpipers. As a young child, Kathie enjoyed hearing the family tales. Some tall, some small. All entertaining. She studied at the Paier College of Art in New Haven, CT under such luminaries as Dean Keller, Ken Davies and John Massimino. She has illustrated several books including Willow's Walkabout: A Children's Guide to Boston.
Review
A sweet, warm, fun romp to all the Boston attractions; Willow the Wallaby, always making room for her tail, is the best and most loveable tour guide you could hope for! -- Margery Eagan, columnist, Boston Herald and morning host, 96.9FM Boston Talks
Make Way for Ducklings will have to make way for Willow. I was never much for kids' stories when I was a kid or when I had two of my own. But I love this book, a true Boston TOUR de force. -- Jim Braude, 96.9FM and New England Cable News
Willow's Walkabout is a charming, fanciful story that is a wonderful introduction to the Boston area for children. As someone who worked with Aardu, the curious wallaby who inspired this book, I know firsthand how incredible the journey was. Children are sure to embrace this book detailing Willow's adventures, and I hope it encourages everyone to visit all the fabulous animals at Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo. -- John Linehan, curator of mammals at the time of Aardu's adventure, and currently president and CEO of Zoo New England (Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo)
"'Make Way for Ducklings' will have to make way for Willow. I was never much for kids' stories when I was a kid or when I had two of my own. But I love this book, a true Boston TOUR de force."
"A sweet, warm, fun romp to all the Boston attractions; Willow the Wallaby, always making room for her tail, is the best and most loveable tour guide you could hope for!"
Review Quote
Willow's Walkabout is a charming, fanciful story that is a wonderful introduction to the Boston area for children. As someone who worked with Aardu, the curious wallaby who inspired this book, I know firsthand how incredible the journey was. Children are sure to embrace this book detailing Willow's adventures, and I hope it encourages everyone to visit all the fabulous animals at Stone Zoo and Franklin Park Zoo. -- John Linehan, curator of mammals at the time of Aardu's adventure, and currently president and CEO of Zoo New England (Franklin Park Zoo and Stone Zoo)
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