Jacqueline Harvey (text) and A. Yi (illustrator), Let the games begin (Willa and Woof #5), Penguin Random House, July 2023, 128 pp., RRP $14.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781761048920
Having enjoyed Book #4 of the Willa and Woof series by popular author, Jacqueline Harvey, I was thrilled to get Book #5 to review.
Let the Games Begin continues the adventures of Willa, her best same age friend, Tae, best old age friend, Frank, and handsome, loyal dog, Woof. Helping to plan the Tournament of the Ages, between the children of Willa’s school and the local retirement village, is a great opportunity for Willa to do what she does best – organise. But an older kid makes it clear she doesn’t want Willa involved. There’s also the upcoming gymnastics competition which isn’t Willa’s forté and she needs plenty of practice to improve and help her team. Then all these exciting plans seem dashed when Willa breaks her wrist. Is there a way for her to stay actively involved?
The best way to describe the Willa and Woof series is “feel good”. I especially love how Let the games begin further develops Willa as a warm, likeable protagonist who is confident being a little different from other kids. I enjoyed her sense of humour and playfulness as well as her enthusiasm for joining in and giving things a go. Willa’s responses to common challenges, – including disappointment, feelings of inadequacy, interpersonal conflict, being bullied, – are relatable, even if, at times, more mature for an 8 year old than is likely.
Yi’s accompanying black and white drawings have an expressiveness that tells the reader so much more about the characters and their emotional experiences. Having Yi’s engaging drawings dispersed throughout the text also helps to make it a more manageable read for newly independent readers.
I recommend Let the games begin for 6-8 year olds who enjoy stories about friendship, community and living life to the full.
Reviewed by Barbara Swartz
