Whistle for Willie (Picture Puffin Books)

Keats has been my go to author for childrens books for many years. It is important for children of color to see someone that looks like them and he was the first to use African-American children as main characters. I cannot tell you how many of his books I have purchased, starting 45 years ago when my eldest daughter was born until now. Books are my gift of choice for every occasion, including baby showers.

This book is visually gorgeous and the narrative is easy but interesting. My toddler often requests this book and though she doesn't understand much of the dialog at her age, she gets the basic idea and enjoys watching for Willie and the gato at the barber shop.

I think all of Ezra Jack Keats books are timeless classics told in a gentle yet amusing way that kids can identify with easily. I bought this book for a little girl who was turning six and struggling to master the art of learning to whistle. I think we can all remember that excitement when we finally are able to actually whistle!

Love Ezra Jack Keats! This was a baby gift. Included the stuffed dog Willie with it. Awesome to have African-American characters in picture books. Cute story about a boy and his dog and learning to whistle.

I like how the board book pages are easy for a one-year old to turn. The illustrations are colorful and keeps the child's attention focused on book as it is being read to him or her. Board books pages are very thick which will cause it to have a longer life span than books with thin pages.

We must have 80+ children's books from hand-me-downs and purchases. We've had this one for a couple of months and he still wants us to read it to him (and whistle at the appropriate junctures) at least once a day.

I purchased based on the reviews but this book is outdated. Willie is wearing a pink and white blouse and pink socks throughout the book. Maybe for the right child this would be okay but I don't want to make any choices for the little boy I am buying the book for so I returned it.

Excellent book to add to my First Grade collection. This series is wonderful as Read Alouds for teaching Realistic fiction, and how character feelings change throughout the story. I am very satisfied with the product and the seller.

I'm so thankful this book is avaliable in a board book format. My one year old loves all the stories about Peter and this one is no exception.

I have bought this book forever baby shower I have attended in the last 5 years! My kids loved it and I want everyone else to experience it as well. Buy the collection of books centered around the character Peter and his dachshund Willie!

Keats has been my go to author for childrens books for many years. It is important for children of color to see someone that looks like them and he was the first to use African-American children as main characters. I cannot tell you how many of his books I have purchased, starting 45 years ago when my eldest daughter was born until now. Books are my gift of choice for every occasion, including baby showers.

This book is visually gorgeous and the narrative is easy but interesting. My toddler often requests this book and though she doesn't understand much of the dialog at her age, she gets the basic idea and enjoys watching for Willie and the gato at the barber shop.

I think all of Ezra Jack Keats books are timeless classics told in a gentle yet amusing way that kids can identify with easily. I bought this book for a little girl who was turning six and struggling to master the art of learning to whistle. I think we can all remember that excitement when we finally are able to actually whistle!

Love Ezra Jack Keats! This was a baby gift. Included the stuffed dog Willie with it. Awesome to have African-American characters in picture books. Cute story about a boy and his dog and learning to whistle.

I like how the board book pages are easy for a one-year old to turn. The illustrations are colorful and keeps the child's attention focused on book as it is being read to him or her. Board books pages are very thick which will cause it to have a longer life span than books with thin pages.

We must have 80+ children's books from hand-me-downs and purchases. We've had this one for a couple of months and he still wants us to read it to him (and whistle at the appropriate junctures) at least once a day.

I purchased based on the reviews but this book is outdated. Willie is wearing a pink and white blouse and pink socks throughout the book. Maybe for the right child this would be okay but I don't want to make any choices for the little boy I am buying the book for so I returned it.

Excellent book to add to my First Grade collection. This series is wonderful as Read Alouds for teaching Realistic fiction, and how character feelings change throughout the story. I am very satisfied with the product and the seller.

I'm so thankful this book is avaliable in a board book format. My one year old loves all the stories about Peter and this one is no exception.

I have bought this book forever baby shower I have attended in the last 5 years! My kids loved it and I want everyone else to experience it as well. Buy the collection of books centered around the character Peter and his dachshund Willie!

Ezra Jack Keats wrote Whistle for Willie over 40 years ago, yet it remains as fresh and vibrant today as it did then. Keats' illustrations and story depicting a little boy who wants to learn to whistle for his dog is a wonderfully engaging picture story book for young children. As an elementary teacher it was and is a favorite of mine and a perfect gift for preschoolers and early elementary children. It was a favorite of my children and I just purchased it for my six year old grandson. He loves it. All of Keats' books are wonderful additions to a children's library.

I love to read this story to my son and my son loves every time I pretend to not be able to whistle and then to show him with practice, slowly I am then able to whistle. The lesson in this story, for us, is to not give up trying. And when you succeed, to be proud of yourself like Peter.

Love this book. His imagery is wonderful. The pictures bring me back to my childhood.

Ezra Jack Keats is just incredible. Book is perfect for little hearts and imaginations. Endearing character and positive vibe

I absolutely love this book! It's an all around great story. Great for storytelling anytime!

another recommended book for kindergarten kids.

All Ezra Jack Keats is perfect!

Another endearing story about Peter, following up to A Snowy Day. Our grandchild loves these.

My grandson enjoys this book

liked everything

In Whistle for Willie, Ezra Jack Keats makes an everyday experience brand new again for parents as well as for children. He has the gift of seeing through the eyes of children--that is, as if it were the very first time. All his pictures books for younger children use each word thoughtfully and vividly, yet simply, portray the characters and action of his stories. I bought this for my grandchild, having been introduced to these books by my children. May they never go out of print, but just in case, consider buying two, one for a child, and one for their child.

Good

One of our favorite books to read with our 2 year old. The pictures are gorgeous for us and our toddler. Willie is such a beloved character. We love the option to enjoy Keats on a board book.

Follow a little boy as he explores his world, makes his own fun and tries to learn to whistle. A fun sweet story.

Brought as a gift for a four year old. He loves it and tries to read it 3-4 times a well. And its durable enough to handle the life of a four year old.

Adorable book about a boy who wants to learn to whistle. We ordered this, along with The Snowy Day after we watched The Snowy Day special on Amazon Prime. My two year old can't get enough of Ezra Jack Keats. We read this very regularly. The illustrations are also fabulous.

Our 6-yr old grandson reads Keats' books in his classroom and loves them. Ordered this for Christmas and it was a big hit.

Love the book

Classic story and chunky board book style sure to be a favorite, timeless.

The book was as beautiful as I remember. It was a great book then as it is now. I got the book packaged perfectly and was able to gift it right away.

I remember this book from when I was a little girl. I love the story and that the main character is African American. It’s hard to find quality books that feature a little boy/girl of color. Please note it’s a wonderful book for all children though. It’s a fun story.

Classic children's book by award winning author, Ezra Jack Keats

I love this book as a child so I bought it for my daughter's

Keats knows children so well, and beautifully captures the world of a young child through this book. My kids love reading any story authored by him.

But, a goodie. Illustrations beautiful. My toddler son loves this book!

I’ve been searching for this book for years!!!

Ezra Jack Keats tells great stories.

Quick read for my 6 year old, but EJK describes wonderful tales that will make parents love these books as much as the others.

My daughter loves this book

My daughter really enjoyed this book

Great story!

I have loved this story since I was a child. Now I am glad to share it with my children.

What do you say excellent writer good for African American

Great classic story!

Simple and beautiful story that carries a message from another time and, I believe a better one. The line, in so many ways, between childhood and being an adult is blured today and " Whistle for Willie " is about that time, when childhood was not something to " get through ". Peter wants to learn to whistle for his dog, Willie. This "little" boy has a fantastic imagination and, has clearly been taught and encouraged to use it. As a teacher, I wish every mom and dad could understand how important the world that Peter is being brought up in, is more important than anything else, because this world is LOVE in action! And you don't have to have a six figure in-come to give it. This is a wise book from a wiser time. That's kind of sad but, it's still do-able if we care enough.

Awesome

My children love this book, and I do too--great illustrations and story.

....but thats what i like about Mr. Keats. In "Whistle for Willie" not much "happens" exactly, but the story is charming and compelling. And Peters beautiful, brightly colored neighborhood is easy to get lost in. This is a great book for kids who are growing up in the city.

Ezra Jack Keats is simple but magical for kids and adults

Great classic!!

Love, love, love the story and the illustrations.

Book was in poor condition. Pages were colored on and the original cover was missing. Book was described as good. Disappointed...

This is a wonderful classic that should be on every child's bookshelf,

A gorgeously illustrated book. I love it.

Lovely book

My grandson and I loved the book ! We practiced our whistles

They are very enjoyable books. My grandson loves them. At 3 yrs old almost got them memomized..

My whole family loves this book! One of my favorites to read to my 4 year old daughter! Warm story!

A classic! You can't go wrong with Ezra Jack Keats!

Love this book from childhood. I purchased to donate to a children's reading program.

One of my favorite books

The most fun story about a boy and his dog. A must have.

This has been one of my favorite children's books since I taught kindergarten in the 70s. Still a great read. My grandson loves it!

The is a delightful read for my both of my children. My 5 year old just learned to whistle and so this was really fun. I wish Ezra Jack Keats was still around. I would write him and thank him for writing children's books about children that happened to be Brown. It was just a story every kid can identify with. Thank you Ezra, I have purchased 6 of your books and many to go. We need more books like this for our growing youth.

Nice "thick book" version of a childhood favorite. Beautifully illustrated, sweet & simple stories of a curious, urban-dwelling boy. Should be a part of every child's library.

Wonderful book and my granddaughter loved it.

Excellent service and item. I purchased it to fill in a set for my Kindergarten classroom listening center. All the books in this series are delightful.

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Peter wants to whistle badly and makes many efforts and finally does and there is a happy ending........Sweet simple story

One of my favorite's from child literature class.

Cute book for our two year old.

Loved it as much as Snowy Day (so, a lot!!)

THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVORITE OF THE KEATS BOOKS

I read this book to my 4 year old niece. She loves it. I like the graphics. It's a simple little story that seems to never get dull.

It's a cute book and really does help little kids learn how to whistle (if you want them to learn).

My 1-year old daughter really responds to this board book. She loves the dog, and I think she relates to the colorful simplicity of the illustrations. I appreciate the story, and that it takes place in a city, which will be nice for her as she grows old enough to understand that.

I am a retired 5th grade elementary ed teacher . This is one of the books I used in my class room. It is a great example of the basic fundamentals of writing with a purpose. I wanted to buy it to add to my home collection. The book arrived on time and was in excellent condition.

Great engaging book for young readers, males and females. Children love to hear it read again and again. Can't put it away!

Great beginners book about perseverance. Would recommend for children in 1st grade moving to 2nd.

My boys love to follow Peter on his adventures so it was nice to add this classic to their collection.

This is a standard in our book basket! This purchase was a replacement purchase:) Love it! Love it! Love it:)

The child this was bought for was excited when it arrived. Would purchase again from these folks.

This classic with its beautiful drawings never gets old. Still a pleasure to read.

A forever love of learning.

I have shared Whistle for Willie with young children for over 40 years. It never fails to be an audience pleaser.

My dog loving granddaughter certainly enjoys this book.

Great little story and I love this author for primary kids.

30 years ago I read this book constantly to my three children. We enjoyed it so much that now I am reading it to my 6 month old grandson, what a great time line, lol. The illustrations and story line are time honored. The words are simple to read and understand. What I like about the story is that with great determination Peter was able to whistle. Practice makes perfect.

THis book was enjoyed by a three year old young fellow for his birthday It is graphically enjoyable; and a very good story line...thank you!

I remember loving these as a kid and now my son loves these as well.

Already have this book and bought this as a gift

Great condition, exactly what I needed.

I bought this book for my 5 year old grandson. He loves it when we read together. This is an excellent book for that.

Super helpful! Just as advertised and super fast shipping!

Great book

This is a great story and the illustrations are great too. African-American boys and girls can see characters that look like them.

A teacher looking for great used books for reading workshop; great book for questioning in my classroom, but able to allow students to use too!

Perfect. Enduring.

Great quality book, the story is vey cute. A great kid book

Ezra Jack Keats is one of my favorite children's authors. His Caldecott winning picture books are superb. This one is one of my favorites.

Thanks

It was Great

Size of book was smaller than expected, but still good price

love this author

An all-time favorite

My 2 year old son loves the Snowy Day. I purchased this to add to the collection. Fun read. My son asks to read this book at least 3x/week!

Fabulous author, great story.

Charming book. Keats is among the best. Two and three year-old grandchildren love it.

My daughter loved this book! So much so we downloaded it onto her tablet so we cab read it again and again.

My 2 year old loves this book!

Excellent!

I've always been a fan of Keats! The illustrations keep me interested along with the story! This one in particular is a keeper merely because I proudly own a Dachshund just like Willie :) I hope my son will appreciate this book as much as I do.

my "go to" baby gift!

My 4 year old loves this book. The pictures arent distracting so it keeps the child focused on the story. Its a great book for early readers.

The magic of Ezra Jack Keats transcends time. His stories are filled with hope, wonder, and beauty.

I love Mr Keets books! Looking forward to buying more!

Great book. I bought this for my 12 month old niece. Great pictures and most of all it's durable materials makes it perfect for a 12 month old.

This book is so cute. We have a wiener dog named Willy so this was an especially lovely book to buy for the grandbabies. :)

Love the book the boys really enjoyed the book and the pictures!! Will definitely be reading this more!! What a great little book!

Bought this for a sister with four dachshunds to read to her niece and the four dogs too. Hoping that the niece will enjoy reading to the dogs.

A WONDERFUL STORY AND ILLUSTRATIONS FOR VERY YOUNG CHILDREN--ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO LIVE IN AN ENVIRONMENT. WITH-OUT DIVERSITY. HOWEVER, I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE IT WAS DELIVERED TO MY HOME, AS I DISCOVERED MY CORGI LYING ON THE GRASS AND CHEWING THE CARDBOARD PAGES. IT WAS STILL READABLE, BUT A BIT ROUGH.

I really like this out author and their other books, but this one is a little wordy for a board book, perhaps when my daughter is older she will enjoy it more.

I know this author is supposed to be classic and amazing. I thought this book was boring.

I use the Kindle Cloud Reader on an iPad. Had to contact Amazon support because I couldn't enlarge the text or pictures, only to find out the normal pinch-and-zoom feature we are all now trained to use is apparently not allowed by the publisher! Therefore, the text is unbelievably TINY and IMPOSSIBLE to read. It is also a shame you can't enjoy the beautiful artwork of the original. Do not waste your money on the digital version. This is likely going to be the case with a lot of wonderful classics, but I'll keep trying until I find a publisher who is doing things better. If you live overseas like I do, access to books is a challenge. I hope Picture Penguin wises up to the opportunity to do better by readers!

Fans of Ezra Jack Keats's fabulous (and better known) 1962 book, "The Snowy Day" should be pleased to discover this other piece of Keatsian lore. Published originally in 1964, "Whistle for Willie" is a sequel of sorts. Starring Peter, that lovable kid whom we first saw tromping about in his red snowsuit, the focus shifts from cold snowed in city streets to warmer days in a kid-friendly metropolis. Peter would like to whistle. He would like it very much, but try as he might he just cannot figure out how to do it. Though Peter sees other kids whistling for their dogs, when Peter whistles for his dauchund Willie he finds he hasn't the skill. We observe Peter as he goes about his day, trying to whistle between spinning, hiding in boxes, coloring with chalk, pretending to be his father, and walking the cracks in the sidewalk. At long last, after many failed attempts, Peter successfully whistles for Willie. Delighted, he shows his parents and after being sent to the grocery store he whistles all the way there and all the way back. First of all, this is the book to present to those people that believe that children's short attention spans are a new occurrence. Observe, if you will, the multitude of activities and games Peter partakes in, usually leading back to his attempts to pucker up his lips and blow. This is one active (though not necessarily hyper) kid. You have to like Peter, just as you have to like the story in which he has been placed. It's a nice one, with realistic dialog and funny moments for kids to enjoy. When Peter puts on his dad's hat and pretends to be him, his mom plays right along. There's a real sense of trust to this book as well. Undoubtedly some kids living in big cities might read this and wonder why their own moms don't let them run in the streets alone or walk to the store to get some groceries. Prepare to unleash the dreaded phrase, "It was a simpler time" in such events. As for Keats's illustrations, they are as rambunctious and amusing as ever. I was particularly taken with a scene in which Peter spins himself around and around then suddenly stops. As we watch, the whole world tilts back and forth, the stoplight's lights floating out of their base and Peter swinging his arms to stay upright. As always, the textures, background prints, and clors in this book are fabulous. And in an improvement on "Snowy Day", Peter and his dog are allowed facial expressions where once Peter had none. From the subtle endpapers to the beautiful and bizarre artistic graffiti on the walls, this book is a big city hit. Anyone who has ever wanted to experience the metropolitan districts with a small child as their guide would do well to snatch and grab the admirable, "Whistle for Willie". It's a sure-fire crowd pleaser and a hit.

Love Ezra Jack Keats. I love the setting of his books, the illustration's color palette, and what I love most is his stories are just kids doing kid things. Like spending a whole day trying to whistle. And it comes in board book! #kidsbooksworthreading #childrensliterature #kidlit #kidsbook #kidsbooks #kidsbookstagram #ezrajackkeats #whistleforwillie

The relationship between a boy and his dog is very precious. They can have so much fun with other like playing ball, running around with other and being there for you. But one little wants to do something for his dog, and is to whistle for him. In "Whistle for Willie", we follow the little boy Peter from "The Snowy Day" and how he wants to whitsle for his dog Willie, who is a dachshund. While doing so, he plays with a cardboard box, makes a long chalk line to his apartment home and dresses up like his dad. With all his effort, Peter determine to whistle for his dog. It's a pretty shory stpry, but it manages to be as wonderful and original as the companion "The Snowy Day". Kids will learn that you have to try hard to acheive what you are trying to accomplish. All in all, "Whistle for Willie" is a perfect story for kids to read and to read with their loving dog.

but NOTHING came out! Whistle for Willie, oh what a JOY! This was one of the very first books that I read to my boys when they were in the high chair! What fun we had trying to whistle, just like Peter, blowing and blowing, but NOTHING CAME OUT! You see, my son's name is Peter, just like the little boy in the story, and so I started to collect books with little boys named Peter. Besides appealing to HIM, however, this book has inter-generational appeal. The rhythm and cadence appealed to my son, but the family's warmth and genuine love for each other appealed to me. A little boy goes about his daily routine, all the while trying to learn how to whistle. "Oh, how Peter wished he could whistle!" We enjoy tracing a chalk line with him, trying on Daddy's hat, and walking to the store. And when he finally whistles, well, don't we ALL just feel proud? Yep! Colorful collages illustrate this Ezra Jack Keats classic, and I am sure you will "Whistle for Willie" again and again, because this is a story that BEGS to be read over and over!

Nice book about a little (black) boy who wants to learn to whistle, and, predictably, eventually does. It's always nice to have picture books that feature black kids that take place in the US and that don't make "being black" the focus of the story, or else talk all about some "issue". The truth is that there aren't enough books that fit that criteria, and sometimes I think it's nice for my biracial nieces to be able to see books about kids who act and look like them, y'know? So we've got a lot of books by Ezra Jack Keats. It's also interesting to me to see how much freedom Willie has. Clearly, this book was written in a less paranoid (if not actually any safer) time.

The appropriately titled "Whistle For Willie" is a story of a young boy, Peter, who wants to learn to whistle and play a trick on his dog Willie by hiding in a box while he whistles. The feeling is a delightful fresh piece of African American childhood life that feels like it comes out of the Bronx or the south side of Chicago out of the late 1950s or early 1960s with the art style just veering away from realistic depictions and creating an urban jazz with bright colors often in blocks while human actions, words, and forms show rounded lines.

I know Ezra Jack Keats is best known for "Snowy day" which also stars the adorable Peter but for me "Whistle for Willie" is where its really at. I grew up with this book and I never forgot it while I was growing up. I always prided myself on my whistling skills and I remember how important it was for me to learn and how I would practice and practice and the glee I felt when I finally heard that little sound. It's just a wonderful story of a small boy living in the inner city and his desire to be able to whistle and his dog come running! I never get tired of this book when I read it, its for both of us! It's just so nostalgic!

An endearing story that children can relate to with eye-catching illustrations. With or without the Willie doll, a fun book to have in a child's library.

Loved reading Ezra Jack Keats to my daughter years ago so I bought this for my grandson. He enjoys it a lot. The collage like illustrations are wonderful. Willie is so independent--his outdoor adventures might make a child today feel envious of his freedom. I have found only this book and "Snowy Day" on Amazon. Keats wrote several more wonderful books for children.

What a very special book for children to learn to stay with something if they want to do it. The little boy Peter wanted to learn to whistle, but he couldn't. But although he got frustrated he continued practicing and he learnt how to do it in the end. A simple but sweet storybook

I stumbled upon Ezra Jack Keats in a waiting room at the doctor's office and fell head over heels in love. My sons-aged 2 and 6-absolutely love his books. The story lines drew both my six year and and me in,the beautiful artwork drew my two year old in! We currently own Whistling for Willie and The Snowy Day and I have added every book published by Keats to my shopping cart to be purchased tonight!

It's true, I'm biased. Ezra Jack Keats is one of my all-time favorite children's authors. Yet, Whistle For Willie has been a favorite of both my boys. The simple story, the universal urge of children to whistle, the fantastic artwork - it all works together delightfully. In my opinion it's perfect. This is a classic that I give as a gift often.

Love whistle for willie. It shows that practice, perseverance, and determination pays off!

I love Keats' beautiful collage-style illustrations. As an urban apartment dweller, I also appreciate a book that shows children living in cities and in apartments. The stereotypical "house" that appears in most children's books looks nothing like the home my daughter knows. My one-year-old daughter loves finding the dog on different pages. I do the whistling for Peter and she does the barking for Willie. One day we read the book inside a cardboard box like the one Peter hides in in the book, and she thought that was great.

Anything by Ezra Jack Keats is a winner. He is one of my favorite kids authors. Do yourself and your kids a favor and get lost in his beautiful illustrations and story lines that really appeal to the child's way of thinking.

Ezra Keats has always provided quality literature for children every where. Another favorite for my Grandson😄.

Great book that got me and my 2 year old kid obsessed and hooked all the books about Peter by Ezra Jack Keats

Loved it!

The book " Whistle for Willie " isn't the best book I have ever read. Although it was a pretty good one. This book is about a little boy named Peter and his dog Willie. One day Peter sees another boy whistling and playing with his dog. Peter decides it would be really cool if he could whistle for Willie. So he tries to, but he doesn't know how to. He tryed like five times, but still he couldn't get a noise to come out. Finally he gets it to work and he gets all happy and plays with his dog. Now this book kind of shows that if you wanted something bad enough you shouldn't give up. You should keep going for whatever you want untill you get it, as long as what you want is resonable. This book does remind me of me in a way. Ever since I was about four years old I have wanted a Corvette. And I am hoping that one day if I stick to what I want that I will get it. And by the book, it looks like I just might.

Peter wants to learn to whistle, but he can't. Therefore, throughout the story Peter cannot whistle. Yet, all of sudden he can whistle we he is hiding in carton. In the beginning of the story, he had the same carton, but couldn't whistle. It is not clear what changed from the beginning to the end of the story. I did not like the resolution of the problem.

Maybe I'm not looking at it as a child, but I don't get it. It doesn't follow the storyline. I hid the book so I don't have to read it. Every once in a while I'll take it out again to give it "just one more chance" and all it does is confirm that I still don't like it.

This book is for the primary grades. I'm using as part of Black History curriculum.

Colorful,wonderful story!

A gift

great book

Bought this for my grandson who has been trying to whistle. I had the book when I was little and loved it

Livro em inglês, do autor-ilustrador Ezra Jack Keats. Um garoto chamado Peter deseja muito poder chamar seu cachorro Willie com um assobio. Ele tenta, tenta, mas não consegue. No decorrer do livro, que se passa com o treino do assovio, ele também experimenta o mundo, como fazem as crianças. Minha cena favorita é quando ele roda e roda, até ficar tonto e, na ilustração, o artista mostra essa inclinação. As ilustrações são lindas, a composição bela, e as cores, muito agradáveis de se ver. Tudo está de acordo, texto, ilustração e a vida da criança. Espero em breve poder conhecer mais o trabalho desse artista, principalmente seu livro mais famoso "The Snowy Day".

This books is very good. I love how teaches you to keep trying and trying because one day you will just get it. I love to read this to my kids and my kids seem to really enjoy it as weĺl.

This is an amazing book and I started to read this to my toddler when she was aged 18 months. I really like the colors and the drawings on this one. Highly recommended.

Bought for my daughter for her class room . Something she asked for Christmas.