Whistle for Willie
Viking, 1964
In this charming sequel to The Snowy Day, an older and wiser Peter wants to learn to whistle. Wouldn’t it be the perfect way to call his dog Willie? Peter tries so hard to whistle that his cheeks hurt, but he doesn’t give up. With a very light hand and his legendary illustrations, Keats creates a world in which effort yields results.
Take a Closer Look
In Whistle for Willie, Peter is a little older than he is in The Snowy Day. He wanders his neighborhood on a summer day, spinning around, playing, drawing a chalk trail on the sidewalk. He decides to learn to whistle so he can call his dog, as he sees an older boy do. Peter tries and tries, but no sound comes out. He puts on his father’s fedora in order to feel more grown-up as he keeps trying to whistle—a wonderful touch to show us that Peter is acquiring skill and status (whistling to master his pet), though in a sweetly childlike way. No wonder some readers consider Whistle for Willie the perfect Keats tale.
Look Beyond the Book
Activities & More
Just Whistle!
Ways to whistle, make a whistle, dachshunds are a kid’s best friend, why spinning makes you dizzy
Lesson Plans
Practice Makes Perfect
Themes: Encouragement, Persistence, Role Models
