Widget is a heartwarming picture book written by Lyn Rossiter McFarland. It tells the story of a stray dog named Widget who embarks on a journey to find a home in a house full of cats. This charming tale explores themes of friendship and belonging as Widget navigates his way into the hearts of the cats and becomes a beloved member of their family.
Widget captures the essence of acceptance and adaptation, teaching young readers valuable lessons about embracing differences and finding their place in the world. With its delightful narrative and beautiful illustrations, this book is sure to captivate children and adults alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Widget is a heartwarming picture book written by Lyn Rossiter McFarland
- The story centers around a stray dog named Widget who finds a home with a group of cats
- The book explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the power of acceptance
- Widget teaches valuable lessons about embracing differences and adapting to new environments
- The book is beautifully illustrated, adding to its charm and appeal
About the Author
Lyn Rossiter McFarland, an accomplished author of children’s books, has made a significant impact in the literary world. Her storytelling prowess and passion for creating engaging narratives have captivated young readers worldwide. Based in Livingston, New York, McFarland has collaborated on multiple projects with her talented husband, Jim McFarland. Together, they have crafted delightful tales that have become cherished additions to children’s literature. McFarland’s dedication to her craft and her ability to bring characters and stories to life continue to inspire and entertain young minds.
| Author | Location | Collaborations |
|---|---|---|
| Lyn Rossiter McFarland | Livingston, New York | Widget & the Puppy Mouse Went Out to Get a Snack |
McFarland’s ability to tell endearing stories while instilling important values in her young readers sets her apart in the world of children’s literature. Through her collaborations and her own works, she has created a diverse portfolio of books that bring joy and inspiration to children of all ages. From heartwarming tales of friendship to adventurous journeys of self-discovery, McFarland’s stories leave a lasting impact on young readers, planting seeds of imagination and fostering a love for reading.
Summary of the Book
Widget is a stray dog who finds himself in a house filled with six cats. In order to stay, Widget adopts feline ways, mimicking the behavior of the cats. However, when an emergency occurs, Widget must use his true nature as a dog to save the day. The book explores the theme of adaptation and the power of friendship.
Widget, a lovable stray dog, embarks on a heartwarming adventure in a house filled with six peculiar cats. To gain acceptance and find a place to call home, Widget takes on the challenge of mastering the art of feline ways. From prancing like a graceful kitty to chasing imaginary mice, Widget adapts to the cat’s lifestyle with unwavering determination.
“Widget was a pretty adaptable pup…”
However, just as Widget settles into his new role as an honorary cat, a sudden emergency strikes. A fire breaks out, endangering the lives of the feline family. In a moment of bravery, Widget embraces his innate dog instincts and leaps into action to rescue his newfound friends. With courage and loyalty, Widget demonstrates that true friendship transcends boundaries and that sometimes it takes a stray dog to save the day.
This heartwarming tale of survival and friendship explores the theme of adaptation. It conveys the powerful message that no matter our differences, unity in times of crisis prevails. Children will be captivated by Widget’s journey, learning the value of empathy, acceptance, and embracing their true selves.
| Book Details | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Lyn Rossiter McFarland |
| Illustrator | Jim McFarland |
| Genre | Children’s Picture Book |
| Themes | Adaptation, Friendship, Loyalty |
| Recommended Age | 3-6 years old |
| Publication Year | 2020 |
Illustrations
The illustrations in Widget, created by Jim McFarland, add a delightful visual dimension to the story. McFarland’s unique style combines pen-and-ink drawings with watercolor washes, resulting in visually enchanting images that perfectly capture the charm and whimsy of Widget’s tale. Each illustration showcases McFarland’s exceptional attention to detail and his ability to bring the characters to life.
Jim McFarland’s skillful use of pen-and-ink creates intricate and precise lines, while the watercolor washes add a soft and vibrant touch to the artwork. The combination of these techniques creates a captivating and colorful visual experience for the readers.
In the drawings, Widget is portrayed as an adaptable outsider, seamlessly fitting in with the cats despite his canine nature. The illustrations tell a visual story of integration, showcasing the heartwarming relationship between Widget and the cats as they navigate their way through the challenges and adventures of their shared home.
Reception and Reviews
Widget has garnered positive reviews from critics, who have commended its heartwarming and fond account of cross-species conciliation. The book masterfully explores the theme of bridging the gap between different species, teaching young readers valuable lessons about acceptance and friendship. With its charming illustrations and engaging storytelling, Widget has captured the hearts of children, parents, and educators.
“Widget beautifully showcases the power of friendship and understanding between animals. The story seamlessly weaves together heartwarming moments of cross-species connection, leaving readers with a warm and fuzzy feeling. Lyn Rossiter McFarland’s delightful tale offers a valuable lesson in empathy and inclusion, making it a must-read for children.”
– James Stevenson, acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator
The book’s illustrations, reminiscent of James Stevenson’s artwork, add a delightful touch of wit to the story, capturing the endearing quirks and expressions of the characters. Young readers are sure to be captivated by the vibrant and charming visuals, which bring the tale of Widget and his feline friends to life.
Widget is recommended for children aged 3-6, with its accessible language and engaging storyline appealing to both early readers and those being read to. The book’s positive reception and universal themes make it a valuable addition to any child’s library.
Additional Books by the Author
Lyn Rossiter McFarland, the talented author of Widget, has also written several other captivating books. One notable work is The Stray Dog, which received the prestigious Caldecott Honor in 2002. Illustrated by Marc Simont, this heartwarming story explores the special bond between a stray dog and a family.
Furthermore, Widgets is included in the Kids Wings Tickles, Tricks, and Treasure Collection. This remarkable collection features 40 literature guides for award-winning picture books, providing educators and parents with valuable resources to enhance children’s learning experience.
Purchase Information
If you’re interested in getting the Kids’ Wings units for Widget and The Stray Dog, you’re just a few clicks away from immediate download. At the affordable price of $5.95, you can have these comprehensive educational resources right at your fingertips. Perfect for teachers, these units can be easily shared within a school, providing a valuable learning experience for students.
In addition to the Kids’ Wings units, your purchase includes a traditional song and a song specially created for Widget. These songs add a fun and interactive element to the learning process, engaging young readers and enhancing their understanding of the story.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to bring Widget and The Stray Dog into your classroom. With the Kids’ Wings units and the delightful songs, you’ll have everything you need to create a captivating and enriching learning environment.
Availability and Pricing
Are you ready to get your paws on Widget, the brand new picture book by Lyn Rossiter McFarland? Here’s everything you need to know about availability and pricing.
Book Format
Widget is available as a brand new paperback, perfect for young readers to enjoy. The vibrant illustrations and heartwarming story are sure to captivate their imaginations.
Delivery Time
When you order Widget, you can expect your book to arrive within 4-10 weekdays. Plus, we offer free ground shipping for all orders within the United States. Now, receiving a delightful story about Widget’s adventures is just a few days away!
Case Packs and Minimum Order
Please note that Widget must be purchased in case packs of 25 copies. We know you’ll want to share this heartwarming tale with friends, family, and fellow book enthusiasts. To ensure that everyone can experience Widget’s journey, we kindly request a minimum order requirement of $100.
| Book Format | Delivery Time | Case Packs and Minimum Order |
|---|---|---|
| Brand new paperback | 4-10 weekdays | Case packs of 25 copies Minimum order requirement of $100 |
With Widget, the delightful story of a stray dog finding a place to belong, your young readers will embark on a heartwarming journey. Order your case pack today and share the joy of Widget with children everywhere!
Related Books and Series
If you’re looking for more award-winning dog books to engage young readers and enhance their learning experience, Kids Wings offers a wide range of educational resources and guides. These materials can be seamlessly integrated into the curriculum and provide opportunities for math teaching and character building. Here are some of the recommended books and series:
Kids Wings Units and Guides for Award-Winning Dog Books
- Widget by Lyn Rossiter McFarland
- The Stray Dog by Marc Simont (2002 Caldecott Honor Book)
- A Dog Called Homeless by Sarah Lean
- The Good Dog by Avi
- The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (adapted by Malvina G. Vogel)
- Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
These books offer captivating stories that promote empathy, teach life lessons, and inspire young readers. Kids Wings resources provide comprehensive teaching units, discussion questions, and creative activities to facilitate in-depth exploration of these books.
Engaging with these award-winning dog books through Kids Wings resources is an excellent way to foster a love for reading, develop critical thinking skills, and instill positive values in students of all ages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Widget by Lyn Rossiter McFarland is a heartwarming picture book that beautifully captures the essence of friendship and the need to belong. Through the story of Widget, a stray dog who embraces the feline ways to find acceptance in a house full of cats, McFarland highlights the importance of acceptance and adaptation in fostering meaningful connections.
With its delightful illustrations by Jim McFarland and a touching narrative, Widget is sure to captivate young readers and leave a lasting impression. The book’s exploration of friendship and belonging resonates deeply, reminding children of the power of compassion and understanding in building lasting relationships.
Whether read aloud or enjoyed independently, Widget offers children a valuable lesson in empathy and the true meaning of friendship. The story’s universal themes and relatable characters make it an excellent addition to any child’s bookshelf. Lyn Rossiter McFarland’s Widget is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming tale filled with love, acceptance, and the joy of finding one’s place in the world.
