Willie’s Gift by Clairmarie H. Field is a sweet, heartfelt children’s book about a little Yorkshire Terrier named Willie who struggles with his unusually large ears. At first, his ears make him feel different and a bit out of place, especially at dog training school. But over time, Willie discovers that what sets him apart is actually his special gift: his ability to listen deeply and bring joy to others, especially the elderly residents at a care home. It’s a lovely story about self-acceptance, kindness, and finding purpose in unexpected ways.

Right away, what really pulled me in was how vividly Field paints Willie’s world, not just with words, but with the pictures too. I could just see him with his silky beige and rust-colored fur and those big floppy ears. The illustrations by Maggie Sullivan really brought it all to life. Every little detail, from Willie’s wide, expressive eyes to the cozy scenes at the care home, made the story feel even warmer and more real. It wasn’t just reading about Willie, it felt like stepping right into his world. The first trip to dog school was especially charming. Field captures Willie’s nervous energy perfectly when he feels like “a tiny ant in a land of giants” among all the big dogs​. It made me smile and wince at the same time. The simple, warm style of writing made it easy to root for Willie right from the first page. I loved that Field doesn’t overcomplicate the language; it’s easy for kids to follow, but still interesting enough for an adult to enjoy reading aloud.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the visit with Great Aunt Grace. There’s something so moving about the moment when Grace strokes Willie’s ears and laughs for the first time in a long while​. You can almost feel the love leaping off the page. I really liked how Field uses small, everyday moments to show big emotional changes. Willie isn’t performing any grand heroic feats; he’s just being himself. That feels so real and powerful. And it’s not just a one-off moment, Willie connects with other lonely residents, like the former pianist and the woman who traveled across the ocean with her dog​. Each encounter feels genuine.

I loved was how the story builds a sense of community without ever feeling forced. Each new friend Willie meets adds a little thread to a bigger picture, that small acts of love and attention matter more than we realize. By the time Willie discovers his gift, it feels earned and heartfelt. The way Field ties it all together, showing that even a tiny dog with oversized ears can have a huge impact, left me with a big smile on my face.

Willie’s Gift warmed my heart in the best way. It’s a perfect pick for kids who are learning about kindness, empathy, and being proud of who they are, especially kids who might feel a little “different” themselves. It would make a wonderful bedtime read or a gift for any young animal lover. Honestly, even as a grown-up, it reminded me that sometimes the things we feel most awkward about are actually the things that make us shine.

Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0F4SZRTPM