by: William Horwood

Review done by:

Angela Linn

Grade 6

Van Antwerp Middle School

Niskayuna, NY

This year for my book report I picked a great book called The Willows in Winter. It was a book about animals that lived in the forest and each one had a predicament. The main predicament was when Mole went to go inform Otter that his nephew was OK, when he ran away. It all started when Portly came running to Moleís house and was very tired and exhausted. He would not talk at all where he came from or where Otter was. So, Mole went out to see if Otter knew where Portly was. I think he would have used the telephone, but animals donít know how to use one.

Moleís journey started out with freezing wind and a cold blizzard. Then with his next step he fell in River! (the name of the river) It sucked him up like a vacuum cleaner and never let him out. As Mole struggled for freedom, he fell unconscious. Then he heard a very faint voice say, "Mole, wake up, you have a nephew and so many friends you must go home to!" So, struggling he swam out of River and layed tired on a tree.

The next day, many people were worrying about Mole, his nephew and Portly, and it was very sunny outside. So, the two friends went to Otterís house and asked him if they have seen Mole. "No, we havenít was he coming where is he?"said Otter. So, Otter, his friend Water Rat, Portly, and Moleís nephew went out on search for Mole. As they went to the tree where Mole was last night, they found a piece of paper, on it said..

Moleís Last Will and Testament:

Last night, I was looking for Otter and fell in River. I heard a voice call me and tell me to swim back up. This tree was where I layed and wrote this Testament. I just want to say that everyone in the forest has been so good to me that I am so sorry I was ever mean. I actually think most people in the forest like it that I am gone. I leave basically everything to Water Rat, the only good friend I have ever had and I am so sorry for all the people Iíve been mean too. As for Portly, he is a great nephew who I never really appreciated, so I leave him my arm chair. My most prized possession.

Sincerely,

Mole

As all the friends weeped in worry, Badger said that he knew Mole was not dead, because in the midst of the darkness there were footprints in the snow and they where to Badger, Moleís. All the friends were so happy that they went on a search for Mole.

So, overall, the whole book was fantastic, and I recommend it to anyone who loves animals, and is in search of a great book. So, look for The Willows In Winter, by William Horwood.