Willow the White House Cat

May 15, 2024
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)

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July 15, 2024
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.