The Children’s Book Review | May 28, 2014
The Wacky Winter on Wiggly Way
Story by David Cunningham; Illustrations by Christine Yoo
Paperback: 128 pages
Age Range: 9-12
Publisher: CreateSpace (September 20, 2013)
ISBN: 978-1482716818
What to expect: Hope, Magical Mouse, Friendship, Happiness, Winter
In The Wacky Winter on Wiggly Way, David Cunningham has weaved an intriguing character-driven story that induces thought-provoking moments based on hope, faith and perseverance.
When Stuart, a storyteller that travels with a magical pet mouse that does tricks, finds himself in need of a home for the winter, he rents an attic room from the cranky Mr. Piggly Wiggly who is in the midst of building an unusual brick wall around his home. Also renting rooms are a retired Opera singer known as Ophelia and a heart-broken librarian named Isabelle. As the renters slowly become friends, much to Piggly Wiggly’s disgust, they all begin to learn a lot about each other and especially themselves. Piggly Wiggly has strict house rules that ultimately appear to have the one goal of not allowing happiness to blossom. “No Noise, No Pets, No Guests.” Because of these rules, the renters are forced to face their fears and, in doing so, gain a higher level of self-esteem. The brick wall that Piggly Wiggly is building throughout the story is very symbolic; as the renters rise up to embrace their new found friendships and happiness, Piggly Wiggly loses control and his brick wall begins to falter until it eventually falls down.
Kids will enjoy Stuart’s often humorous relationship that he shares with his pet mouse who is always encouraging Stuart to follow his dreams. Through this relationship and all of the new people Stuart encounters on Wiggly Way, the author shows readers the importance of friendship, self-acceptance, the acceptance of others, taking risks and breaking down barriers. Christine’s wonderful illustrations are scattered throughout the pages and add just the right amount of warmth to the many emotions tackled on the pages.
This is a book for rule followers, rule breakers, pet owners, and everyone in between that has an appreciation for the wacky.
Add this book to your collection: The Wacky Winter on Wiggly Way
Book Trailer
About the Author
David Cunningham has worked with children, many of them under-privileged for over twenty-five years. He has listened to their stories, loss and pain incorporating these themes into his book to teach children the skills to face their fears. David resides in Massachusetts is married to Michelle and has three children AJ, Henry, Annie and a dog Woodrow.
For more information, visit:
Amazon: www.amazon.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Wigglyway
Read The Children’s Book Review‘s interview with David Cunningham.
About the Illustrator
Christine is an award winning illustrator and graduate from Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Her works received distinctions from the Society of Illustrators, CMYK Magazine, and 3×3 Magazine. Since graduating from RISD, she’s utilized her creative visual abilities as an illustrator/ designer. Visit: christineyoo.com
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