Maple & Willow Apart

Illustrated by Lori Nichols
$7.99 US
Penguin Young Readers | Nancy Paulsen Books
On sale Jul 21, 2015 | 9780698172388
Age 3-5 years
Reading Level: Lexile AD680L
Sales rights: World
Funny, relatable sibling dynamics make this story a wonderful way to address navigating big changes. Lori Nichols’s expressive artwork beautifully portrays Maple and Willow’s strong bond, and children will love the creative, kid-powered solution.
 
Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.
* “Nichols’ pencil and digitally colored illustrations perfectly convey just how close Maple and Willow are . . . [and] keep the focus on the girls and their relationship. . . . Ideal for sharing with sibling pairs about to be parted by the first day of school.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Emphasizes the change of seasons through an accessible child-centered perspective. . . . Illustrations enhance the sweet girls’ interactions. . . . Fall into this lovely addition as sisters adjust to the excitement and the changes of a new year ahead.”—School Library Journal

“The playful pastel-and-line artwork, with backgrounds of autumnal trees, is as adorable as ever. . . . The happy ending is expected—sisterhood forever!—but is satisfying nonetheless.”—Booklist

About

Funny, relatable sibling dynamics make this story a wonderful way to address navigating big changes. Lori Nichols’s expressive artwork beautifully portrays Maple and Willow’s strong bond, and children will love the creative, kid-powered solution.
 
Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.

Praise

* “Nichols’ pencil and digitally colored illustrations perfectly convey just how close Maple and Willow are . . . [and] keep the focus on the girls and their relationship. . . . Ideal for sharing with sibling pairs about to be parted by the first day of school.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Emphasizes the change of seasons through an accessible child-centered perspective. . . . Illustrations enhance the sweet girls’ interactions. . . . Fall into this lovely addition as sisters adjust to the excitement and the changes of a new year ahead.”—School Library Journal

“The playful pastel-and-line artwork, with backgrounds of autumnal trees, is as adorable as ever. . . . The happy ending is expected—sisterhood forever!—but is satisfying nonetheless.”—Booklist