A review by bugabusu
William's Getaway by Annika Dunklee

5.0

William’s Getaway by Annika Dunklee and illustrated by Yong Ling Kang is a loving tale of two young brothers, William and Edgar. William is older and full of adventure. Edgar is younger and exuberant. One day William has had enough of his baby brother and goes to the only place he knows he can get away, his hot air balloon. Edgar is scared of the balloon. But this time, after being told his big brother would make sure he was safe, Edgar finally has enough courage to join William. With encouragement from William Edgar realizes that he doesn’t need snacks or his jacket or his stuffed monkey, Mr. Bibbles, all he needs is William. The story is lovingly told with the illustrations to match. The reader sees William’s annoyance as he tries to escape and Edgar’s anxiety as he fights his fear. And the joy and acceptance as William reaches for Edgar’s hand to help him into the basket. The imagery is perfect for the story from William’s Indiana Jones hat to Edgar telling Mr. Bibble’s he’ll be ok. And young readers will love the last scene and spotting all the items from previous pages. Another wonderful, caring story by Ms. Dunklee with great colorful illustrations by Ms. Kang.