Jacqueline Harvey (text) and A. Yi (illustrator), Double the drama (Willa and Woof, #6), Penguin Random House, October 2023, 115 pp., RRP $12.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761048937
Double the drama continues the Willa and Woof series by popular and accomplished author, Jacqueline Harvey. This 6th book is just as enjoyable as the previous Willa and Woof books that I’ve reviewed.
It is about Willa who is again enthusiastically participating in an extra-curricular, communal activity. This time she’s preparing for a minor role as a grey nurse shark in the upcoming school drama performance and her beloved, loyal, smart and handsome dog, Woof, has a role in the performance too. What could be better? But things are not all perfect for Willa because her best same-age friend, Tae, has a new friendship that excludes Willa. To make matters worse, Willa also feels insecure about her best old-age friend, Frank, forming a romantic relationship with Mrs Best.
Similarly to previous titles in this series, the story is engaging, eventful and full of heart, with gentle touches of humour. The Willa and Woof stories are also made interesting by diverse characters amongst Willa’s family, neighbours and friends. And there are some special new neighbours in Double the drama who are based on a real-life family that has a child with disabilities.
I’ve become very fond of Willa through reviewing three of the Willa and Woof books. Double the drama further develops her as a likable character who is a loyal friend, has an adventurous zest for life and resists gender role expectations. I also love how, in this new story, Willa’s emotional reactions to rejection are genuine and believable and she makes sensible choices for managing her relationship difficulties.
Yi’s accompanying humorous and expressive black and white drawings add meaning to the story by depicting plot scenes and characters with animated facial expressions.
Being a short book, with plenty of dialogue and Yi’s illustrations helping to break up the text, Double the drama is a manageable read for newly independent readers. I recommend it for 6-8 year olds who enjoy stories about everyday adventures amongst friends and community.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz
