Willie Wins

By Almira Astudillo Gilles

Book Overview

In this heart-warming story, a boy gets beyond peer pressure and comes to appreciate the depth of his father's love. First-time author Almira Astudillo Gilles teams up with artist Carl Angel to create an inspiring and suspenseful story. Young readers will be cheering for Willie all the way.

Willie is having a rough day. He has already struck out in a Little League game, and now he must find a savings bank for a contest at school - by tomorrow! Dad has just the answer. It's an alkansiya, a bank made out of a coconut shell from the Philippines, where Dad grew up. He's been saving it for Willie because of a surprise inside, a treasure Dad got when he was a boy.

Willie reluctantly takes the bank to school, knowing he will be teased by his classmates for having such an unusual bank. In the weeks that follow, Willie works hard at saving his play money to win the contest. But as he works he also wonders, what will the surprise in his bank be? Is it really something special?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1600602371
• ISBN13: 9781600602375
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Lee & Low Books
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.0" x 9.9"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Grades 1 to 3

Customer Reviews

Willie Wins in all areas...

The story revolves around an universal expereince of young children; however, the way it is presented in Willie Wins and its main character being of Filipino descent makes it a well worth addition to any child's and teacher's (multi-cultural) library. The illustrations are vibrant. The expressions of the characters not only capitivate the audience with its detail but clearly conveys the feelings of the characters as well. Willie wins in all areas!

Delightful and Different

This book gives readers a fun picture of Filipino culture inside a heart-warming story about a boy and his father. All kids are embarrassed by their parents at some time, and will relate easily to Willie. Readers are quickly drawn into the story, wondering - what is in the coconut bank? The ending delights and surprises. I look forward to the next book from Ms. Gilles!