Willow the White House Cat - by Jill Biden (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Willow, a farm cat from Pennsylvania, adjusts to her new home, the White House, where she finds new places to play and friendly staff members who, regardless of their busy schedules, warmly embrace her presence"--

Book Synopsis

A New York Times bestseller!

"This sweet, cat's-eye view of the White House" (Kirkus Reviews) is "a quietly lovely portrait of a landmark" (Publishers Weekly) as it tells the story of how Willow the White House Cat made her way from a farm in Pennsylvania to her new home and made new friends along the way, written by First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden.

When Willow leaves her cozy barn for Washington, DC, and the big white house where she will now live, Willow discovers new rooms to explore and is welcomed by the nice lady she met at Farmer Rick's farm. Soon, Willow meets so many new people--one who arranges the flow-ers, another who makes sweet things to eat, and the man with a nice smile who seems to be able to do everything at once. Even though they are much bigger and busier than she is, each of them always seems to have time to say hello and make her feel at home in the big white house. Willow enjoys discovering the White House and all the special people who make this house a home.

Jill Biden, First Lady of the United States, an educator, and a New York Times bestselling author, tells the story of Willow, the White House cat, and about the very special place she and President Biden call home.

Review Quotes

In this narrative from Biden with Satin Capucilli, a farm visit from the first lady leads to a new life in Washington, D.C., for a gray tiger cat named Willow--but not before the farmer assures the kitten that "no matter where you go, we all share the same moon." After a warm welcome by both Bidens, Berube, working in ink and acrylic, chronicle Willow's explorations of her new digs: one catalog-like cutaway spread shows her perusing spaces including the Red Room and the Map Room, while other vignettes show friendly encounters with White House staff. But Willow's favorite spot is the Oval Office, where she sleeps on the big desk and receives presidential skritches. It's a quietly lovely portrait of a landmark through feline eyes, which concludes with a cozy personal moment: the president and first lady snuggled together under the covers, Willow curled up between them. Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author's note includes photos of the real Willow. Ages 4-8. (June)--Publishers Weekly "7/15/2024"

"Animal lovers will especially appreciate this sweet, cat's-eye view of the White House ... illustrations are cheerful and cozy.... Kids will enjoy the opportunity to "mews" on the doings of a presidential pet."

-- "KIRKUS"

First Lady Biden and Capucilli, author of the Biscuit series, explain how Willow the cat came to reside at the White House.

Willow lives contentedly in a barn. One day, she's curious when cars approach and people gather to hear a blond woman speak. Willow draws closer, then is delighted as the woman lifts her up and hugs her. That evening, light-skinned Farmer Rick tells Willow she made "quite an impression" The visitor has invited Willow to live with her. A car arrives to drive Willow away to the White House, her new home in Washington, D.C. There, she's welcomed by the first lady--the same woman who tenderly held her at the farm. Willow meets the president and explores her new home, filled with elegantly furnished rooms, grand staircases, and historic portraits. Plus, there's a toy-filled basket! Best of all, there are wonderful people who work in and visit this beautiful house who show Willow kindness and affection. Willow's favorite resting spot is at the president's side in the Oval Office, though she also enjoys watching the first lady read to children on the lawn. Animal lovers will especially appreciate this sweet, cat's-eye view of the White House, which helps humanize the first family by depicting them as ordinary feline fanciers. The loose ink, acrylic, and paint illustrations are cheerful and cozy. Background characters are racially diverse.

Kids will enjoy the opportunity to "mews" on the doings of a presidential pet. (author's note from Biden, photos) (Picture book. 5-8)--Kirkus Reviews "5/15/24"

About the Author

Jill Biden, wife of President Joe Biden and First Lady of the United States, is the New York Times bestselling author of Where the Light Enters and her children's books Don't Forget, God Bless Our Troops and Joey: The Story of Joe Biden. She teaches English as a community college professor and served as Second Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. During the Obama-Biden administration and now as First Lady, she advocates for military families, community colleges, the fight against cancer, and women's health research. A mother of three and grandmother of seven, she and her husband live in Wilmington, Delaware, and Washington, DC.

Kate Berube is the author-illustrator of Mae's First Day of School and Hannah and Sugar, which won the Marion Vannett Ridgway Award and the Oregon Book Award for Children's Literature and was shortlisted for the Klaus Flugge Prize. She is the illustrator of John's Turn, written by Mac Barnett, which won the Irma Black Silver Medal, and The Summer Nick Taught His Cats to Read, written by Curtis Manley, which won a CLEL Bell Award and was a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year. Kate Berube lives in Oregon with her family.