William's Getaway

by Annika Dunklee, Yong Ling Kang (Illustrator)

Overview

William’s little brother, Edgar, always wants to play. But today, William wants some time to himself. William has a big getaway planned: an escape up into his hot-air balloon. It’s the perfect place because Edgar is always afraid to join him. But Edgar decides that today, he wants to come. William is very surprised and extremely disappointed.



Edgar over-prepares for the journey. What if he gets hungry, thirsty, cold, bored? What if he gets scared? So William gives up his grand plans for a solo getaway to help his little brother up, offering him encouraging words and an exciting adventure. In the end, William loves the shared adventure, too—even though the hot-air balloon is really only the top of their shared bunk bed, which careful readers will find hinted at through clues in the illustrations. This loving sibling story celebrates the bond between brothers, the wonders of an imaginary adventure, and the value of an occasional compromise.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781771473378
Publisher:	Owlkids Books
Publication date:	03/15/2020
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.12(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	AD460L (what's this?)
Age Range:	3 - 7 Years

About the Author

ANNIKA DUNKLEE is the award-winning author of many books, including My Name Is Elizabeth!, named to the 2011 New York Times Notable Children’s Book list. Annika lives with her husband and two teens in Toronto, Ontario. Her older sister—who, thankfully, took the top bunk as a kid—lives there, too!

YONG LING KANG is an illustrator who grew up in Singapore and now lives in Toronto, Ontario. She enjoys making art that highlights the small moments of everyday life, and taking long walks.

Editorial Reviews

"Annika Dunklee’s storyline is a lovely description of the love between two young brothers."

Canadian Review of Materials

"We can hardly think of a more believable and appealing story for... children trying and sometimes failing to be patient with each other."

Spirituality & Practice

Praise for A Fire Truck for Chuck, also by Annika Dunklee:


"Certain to be a favorite."
—Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

"This is a great story of love, courage, and family."

School Library Connection

2019-12-22
William needs a break from his younger brother.

William's younger brother, Edgar, loves to play with him. And sometimes William likes to play with him too. But today, Edgar is too loud and destructive, and William wants to be alone. The only place he can be alone is up high in his hot air balloon. Edgar is usually too afraid to climb up, but today he wants to come along. William is disappointed but doesn't refuse. On his approach to the ladder, Edgar freezes, with queries about what if he gets hungry, thirsty, or cold, grabbing snacks and toys for comfort. William finally stops Edgar from frantically assembling these items and helps him to be brave. Dunklee writes a story that will feel familiar to readers who have younger siblings and sometimes need a little alone time. William is a great role model, demonstrating how kindness can overcome annoyance and create a fun shared adventure. The watercolor-and-colored-pencil illustrations are adorable, capturing a child's vast imagination with a light touch. Kang transforms their suburban house into a beautiful outdoor world to explore. The tiniest details give hints to the truth of William's hot air balloon. William and Edgar have peach skin, black hair, and rosy cheeks, and they negotiate their play without adult intervention.

A sweet sibling story. (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews

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