The Perfect Gift For Kids
Supports Education and Emotional Growth
Willow the Wonderer
Bestselling picture books with wisdom for all ages
Willow the wonderer
Woke up one day
Wondering about happiness
And where it lay ...
Willow the Wonderer is an enchanting new series of children's storybooks by debut author, Reeta Dhar, and acclaimed illustrator, Darren Pryce.
Willow is an endearing little donkey who is deeply curious about life. Join him on epic quests as he unravels life's mysteries and discovers its wonders and wisdom.
Written in rhyme, the melodious stanzas sweep young readers away on adventures through the natural world, whilst exquisitely crafted illustrations beckons them to uncover hidden marvels in Willow's world.
Each captivating tale is also designed with a specific early childhood education goal in mind, whether it's learning to read, count, learn colours, or even dive into astronomy.
Available in hardcover, paperback and eBook.
Amazing offers on Paperback now live!
Only $9.99 per book
Full Book Set for $49.95
That's 5 books for less than $50!
Willow
Plush Toy
A huggable companion for storytime
"Being there for a child
is the most noble thing a toy can do"
--- Woody, Toy Story
Willow the Wonderer is now available as an adorable character soft toy. Sporting his trademark '70s onesie, Willow is bringing retro back!
Designed in Australia by Darren Pryce, our character plush toy is produced to a high standard and independently tested against Australian toy safety standards.
It is suitable for all ages.
We recommend purchasing it as a gift set along with the books. An adorable new friend that will get even the fussiest of readers engaged!
Book & Toy
Gift Sets
The perfect gift for little ones
"It's never too early
to plant seeds of wisdom "
--- Wise As Stories
Celebrate the special little ones in your life with our exclusive Willow the Wonderer books and plush toy sets, featuring our irresistibly cute hero, Willow.
Choose the 'complete series' containing all five storybooks or curate your own by selecting your favorite titles. Each book set is beautifully packaged in a themed gift box, adding a touch of magic to your gift giving.
Whether you are looking for a meaningful gift for grandchildren or shopping for special gifts for kids for Christmas, Birthdays or even Baby-showers, these gift sets will meet the mark. We designed it specifically to be the best in its class, with a premium feel, perfect for special occasions
Comes gift-ready with complimentary wrapping!
Discover a Story-First Approach to Learning
Recommended by Experts. Loved by Children.
Debra, Teacher
Your books are incredible. As a previous prep teacher the message resonates very strongly. I read your book to our graduating class and donated one set to our school library - they will be used for our Philosophy sessions.
Sian, Counsellor
I wish I had these for my children when they were small. I really recommend them as a Counsellor, working with children who often have a lot of troubles - These sorts of books can be really helpful.
Pam, Librarian
Beautifully presented, beautifully written and the illustrations are out of this world. Parents, teachers, kids of all ages, rush out and buy these books.
Storytelling is the most powerful way to teach and inspire.
Not every child enjoys being 'taught' but who doesn't like a good story? We have taken a story-first approach to developing the Willow the Wonderer series: These are fantastical tales set to melodic rhythms that invite children to go on a grand adventure. Through the power of storytelling and imagination they discover some of life's most essentials lessons, while developing literacy and other early learning skills. Listening to a story is simply the best way to learn.
Book 1: Willow the Wonderer
The Story: Willow wakes up with a big question: 'Where is happiness?' He sets off on an epic quest through vibrant landscapes, searching high and low—only to find it in the most unexpected place.
The Wisdom: An introduction to inner happiness and self-reliance.
Learning Goals: Early Numeracy (Counting), Rhyme, and Visual Literacy.
Book 2: Honey Time
The Story: Bursting with a million ideas, Willow decides to go 'hard and fast', creating an almighty ruckus until the Queen Bee intervenes! Trapped in a blob of honey, Willow is forced to do something he’s never done before: Nothing.
The Wisdom: A sweet lesson in mindfulness and the art of slowing down.
Learning Goals: Phonics, Colour Recognition, and Emotional Regulation.
Book 3: Space Odyssey
The Story: Feeling like he doesn't quite fit in, Willow looks to the stars for answers. Beamed into space, he witnesses the beauty and fragility of Earth from above, experiencing a profound 'Overview Effect'.
The Wisdom: Discovering belonging and the interconnectedness of all life.
Learning Goals: STEM (Astronomy), Science-Literacy, and Vocabulary.
Book 4: The Gift
The Story: Lost among high mountain peaks, Willow meets a mysterious Fox. She guides him through the steep trails and frightening cliffs. As fear takes hold, Fox shares a profound wisdom—all things come to pass. Will it be enough for Willow to keep going?
The Wisdom: Building resilience, grit, and the courage to navigate change and loss.
Learning Goals: Figurative Language (Similes & Metaphors) and Vocabulary.
Book 5: Inner Worlds
The Story: When a menacing grey cloud of negative thoughts begins to follow him, Willow does what few dare to: he steps inside. What follows is a surreal adventure through the mechanics of his own mind.
The Wisdom: Understanding the nature of thoughts and emotions, including power of positive thinking.
Learning Goals: Cognitive Reframing, Mental Wellbeing, and Self-Regulation techniques.
" Reeta and Darren,
Your books are incredible.
As a previous prep teacher
the message resonates very strongly."
Debra Herrmann
Principal
The Patch Primary School
Books & Toys Loved by Kids
Cherished by Grown-ups
Cassie D.
"I love your books and the message they send. The pictures in the books are beautiful and can be used to find different things with your children. I highly recommend these books."
John K.
"Fast delivery, exactly as ordered, beautifully and securely packaged. I've already read one of the books to my grandson, who now sleeps with "Willow" every night. Thank you very much. HIGHLY recommended!"
Paul H.
"Issy loves the books, she's been asking us to read it every night as part of bedtime routine! A huge compliment because it has been The Hungry Caterpillar for the last 18 months."
Bill W.
"My three year old grandson Ariel loved the menagerie of hidden animals interspersed amongst the pages. "Read it again Poppa please" was the message repeated again and again."
May L.
"I wish I met Willow the Wonderer when I was young. The story made me feel warm and fuzzy - I had tears of joy! These are not just books but a gift to us all."
Ellen J.
"These really are the most wonderful books. I just love the positive and empowering messaging and life lessons within the stories. The illustrations are beautiful and so engaging. These are books for young AND old!"
Preview Latest Release
Willow the Wonderer : Inner Worlds
"I purchased the set for my granddaughter's1st birthday.
When she opened them and saw Willow, her face lit up and she snuggled that beautiful creature.
Put tears in my eyes as it did my son when he read the story books. They are so beautifully presented, top quality and with such wonderful intentions in character, story and art.
Thank you for your beautiful work."
Diane B.
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Behind the Scenes
How Willow the Wonderer came to be
Our Heart Project
One sunny afternoon, strolling along the Valla beach in NSW's Mid North Coast, Reeta and Darren discovered a shared dream: They longed to create storybooks that they wish they'd grown up with - books filled with beauty and adventure that would plant seeds of wisdom in young minds.
Their hope was simply that these seeds would blossom with time and guide the little ones in their journey through life.
Darren threw in an idea he'd conceived a long time ago about Willow, a child who wanders from home searching for happiness. In this wandering soul, they found a kindred spirit, an endearing character brimming with the innocence and curiosity.
Over the ensuing months and many lively conversations, sketches and drafts later, the idea they first discussed in April 2020 blossomed into a story.
Reeta wove the words and Darren brought it to life with his enchanting pictures. Through all the ups and downs of COVID, they released the first Willow the Wonderer storybook in November 2021.
And thus, Willow the Wonderer was born.
Meet An Unlikely Hero
A little wise ass we call Willow
Meet Debut Author
Reeta Dhar
Reeta's Story
Reeta grew up surrounded by stories; tales from the olden days her grannies used to tell, scary stories that her siblings would share, legends about ancient yogis her dad read aloud, Bollywood films her mum rented and stories from all the glorious books she read.
Stories became her doorway into a world of imagination that enthralled, enticed and enchanted in equal measure. They inspired her to travel, climb mountains, do yoga, meditate and seek out the magic in life.
Prior to pursuing her love of writing and publishing, Reeta had an accomplished career in business. When these failed to bring about any lasting sense of contentment and peace, it spurred Reeta to look inwards.
Guided by ancient contemplative and philosophical traditions over many years of practice, she began to gain insight into the nature of mind, thoughts and emotions. She realised that there was a whole other set of stories that needed to be told ...
In Willow the Wonderer, Reeta's debut work as an author, she brings together her love of stories, nature, rhythm and rhyme to create stories that she wished she had grown up stories - stories with wisdom to navigate life.
Meet Acclaimed Illustrator
Darren Pryce
Darren's Story
Darren started drawing before he started walking, or so the story goes. He was the quiet one in the family who spent all his time drawing at the kitchen table; his uncle was surprised to find out that he even had legs!
It was no surprise however that he pursued studies in design and a career as an illustrator, art director and contemporary artist. A classically trained painter with expertise in digital media, Darren seamlessly combines the two disciplines in his craft.
Darren has won many major national and international illustration awards, including Gold at the Melbourne Art Directors Awards and London International Award. Darren is a versatile illustrator and many different styles of his work have been featured in the Communication Arts Magazine, American Illustration Annuals and Leuzers Archive. His career highlights includes doing the cover of Time Magazine and Los Angeles Times Magazine.
As gratifying as these accomplishments were, Darren struggled to find lasting contentment. Exhausted from the effort, he turned to philosophical and contemplative traditions to understand life at a deeper level. He realised there was a story to be told about a boy who leaves home searching for happiness ...
Darren draws upon his years of experience as an illustrator, love of nature and a deeper understanding of life to bring Willow the Wonderer's stories to life, creating an innovative new style each time.
We care about Mother Earth
Our books are printed on sustainably sourced FSC certified paper.
We don't use single use plastics in our product.
We use recyclable or biodegradable materials for packaging.
Frequently asked questions
“Never grow up. Always down.”