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Maple & Willow
Maple & Willow Apart
Funny, relatable sibling dynamics make this story a wonderful way to address navigating big changes. Lori Nichols’s expressive artwork beautifully portrays Maple and Willow’s strong bond, and children will love the creative, kid-powered solution.
Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.
Maple and Willow have always been inseparable. So what happens when Maple starts big-girl school and Willow stays behind? Well, of course, both girls have marvelous adventures of their own, but the truth is, they miss each other. And when they see that the missing is mutual, they find a unique way to feel connected even when they have to be apart.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published July 21, 2015
3 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
August 10, 2022
Friends remember each other even when they can't be together. Maple and Willow find a way to stay connected while Maple is at school and Willow remains at home. These two sisters have such a special bond. After reading this story, I'm thinking of my own friendships and wishing everyone much happiness!
March 29, 2023
عنوان ترجمهٔ فارسی: من و خواهرم دور از هم
آخرین پردهٔ [منتشر شده در ایران] از ماجراهای افرا و بید.
افرا بزرگ شده و باید برود مدرسه. بید توی خانه تنهاست و افرا دارد در مدرسه چیزهای جدید یاد می‌گیرد و خوش می‌گذراند. ولی به بید هم بد نمی‌گذرد. او هم دوست تازه‌ای دارد و ماجراهای تازه‌ای. حتی کم‌کم به نظر می‌رسد که اوضاع بید با دوست تازه‌اش بهترتر از وضع افرا در مدرسه است. اما بید برای افرا یک غافلگیری دارد!
روابط این دو خواهر رشک‌برانگیز است (حتی برای خواهردارها!)
و هنرمندی لوری نیکولز در نوشتن و نقاشی کردن هم!
آخرین پردهٔ [منتشر شده در ایران] از ماجراهای افرا و بید.
افرا بزرگ شده و باید برود مدرسه. بید توی خانه تنهاست و افرا دارد در مدرسه چیزهای جدید یاد می‌گیرد و خوش می‌گذراند. ولی به بید هم بد نمی‌گذرد. او هم دوست تازه‌ای دارد و ماجراهای تازه‌ای. حتی کم‌کم به نظر می‌رسد که اوضاع بید با دوست تازه‌اش بهترتر از وضع افرا در مدرسه است. اما بید برای افرا یک غافلگیری دارد!
روابط این دو خواهر رشک‌برانگیز است (حتی برای خواهردارها!)
و هنرمندی لوری نیکولز در نوشتن و نقاشی کردن هم!
August 13, 2015
Are you KIDDING me with the cuteness of the Maple and Willow books??!!!! My goodness, this one is a keeper.
September 8, 2016
It's hard to believe I'm saying this but this one is even cuter than the first! Again, my heart!
July 1, 2018
Very cute story that siblings will be able to relate to - as the older sister goes off to big kid school and the younger one stays home alone.
Kids enjoyed it.
Kids enjoyed it.
September 23, 2015
Maple and Willow love playing together but what is going to happen when Maple goes off to kindergarten for the first time. On the first day, Maple came back from school and talked all about it. Willow had spent her day with a new friend, Pip, a friendly acorn she met. The next day Willow explored outside and Maple once again had lots of stories about her day when she returned home. Each day, Maple has stories about school but Willow also has stories about her day with Pip and all of the things they did together. Soon Maple is rather regretful about heading off to school, but the girls soon figure out a way that their days can still keep them in touch with one another.
This third book about Maple and her sister Willow delicately captures the experience of both the sister being left behind at home and the sister going off to school. There is the excitement of a new adventure for the older sister, the feeling of abandonment for the younger. There is the pull of wanting to be together for both of them, especially when the games at home seem so much fun. Nichols nicely figures out a way that works perfectly in the story for the girls to be connected and for their stories and experiences to continue on together in unison.
The art in all of the Maple and Willow books shines. Done in pencil on Mylar and digitally colored, the illustrations have a lightness that is captivating. The use of big colorful maple leaves is also very effective, and adds a distinct fall flavor to the entire read.
A great pick for families with children heading off to school for the first time and also for those left behind too. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
This third book about Maple and her sister Willow delicately captures the experience of both the sister being left behind at home and the sister going off to school. There is the excitement of a new adventure for the older sister, the feeling of abandonment for the younger. There is the pull of wanting to be together for both of them, especially when the games at home seem so much fun. Nichols nicely figures out a way that works perfectly in the story for the girls to be connected and for their stories and experiences to continue on together in unison.
The art in all of the Maple and Willow books shines. Done in pencil on Mylar and digitally colored, the illustrations have a lightness that is captivating. The use of big colorful maple leaves is also very effective, and adds a distinct fall flavor to the entire read.
A great pick for families with children heading off to school for the first time and also for those left behind too. Appropriate for ages 3-5.
March 24, 2016
Review originally posted on Children's Atheneum
It's been a good run, but now Maple and Willow are going to have to part, for Maple is going to be going to school and Willow must stay behind. Of course, when Maple comes home with all kinds of stories from school, it is little Willows that begins to feel left out. Of course, Maple loves school, but she must admit that she does miss her little sister just a little bit. Together they find a way where they can be together even when they are apart.
Not having ever been a mother of preschoolers or new-to-schoolers, I must rely heavily on the experiences of my friends who have had this experience and it seems to be a universal truth that the younger ones never quite understand when their older siblings head off for school. Never mind that they have had all summer to play together and their absence is greatly felt, but there is also a bit of envy. After all, their siblings come home with things like homework and crafts and stories. They are learning all kinds of things and I am sure that a little one, especially if the children were close in age, would not quite understand.
I can't recall having ever read a back-to-school book that was about two siblings missing one another. Perhaps they exist, but in all those many many back-to-school books the focus seems to be on the child going to school and their many fears. I loved that this book was a twist on this concept and was still in keeping with the Maple & Willow series that Nichols has created.
It's been a good run, but now Maple and Willow are going to have to part, for Maple is going to be going to school and Willow must stay behind. Of course, when Maple comes home with all kinds of stories from school, it is little Willows that begins to feel left out. Of course, Maple loves school, but she must admit that she does miss her little sister just a little bit. Together they find a way where they can be together even when they are apart.
Not having ever been a mother of preschoolers or new-to-schoolers, I must rely heavily on the experiences of my friends who have had this experience and it seems to be a universal truth that the younger ones never quite understand when their older siblings head off for school. Never mind that they have had all summer to play together and their absence is greatly felt, but there is also a bit of envy. After all, their siblings come home with things like homework and crafts and stories. They are learning all kinds of things and I am sure that a little one, especially if the children were close in age, would not quite understand.
I can't recall having ever read a back-to-school book that was about two siblings missing one another. Perhaps they exist, but in all those many many back-to-school books the focus seems to be on the child going to school and their many fears. I loved that this book was a twist on this concept and was still in keeping with the Maple & Willow series that Nichols has created.
November 7, 2015
I just love this series. I adore watching Maple grow up and loving her little sister Willow. This time, Maple is taking a giant step and going to big-girl school. Willow just does not know what to do with her time since home is not the same without Maple to play with.
When Maple returns from her first day with stories of her teacher and class, Willow decides that she will not be outdone and tells of her new friend Pip - where they met and what they did. This piqued Maple’s curiosity. How could her little sister have fun and a new friend without her? Willow did not intend to hurt her sister’s feeling; she just wanted to have her own adventure. In the end, she gave her sister the best gift of all. Now the two will never truly be apart.
Lori Nichols always tells such wonderful stories of love and kindness in her Maple books. The two sisters have created their own world of friendship and have created adventures with nature in their own backyard.
When Maple returns from her first day with stories of her teacher and class, Willow decides that she will not be outdone and tells of her new friend Pip - where they met and what they did. This piqued Maple’s curiosity. How could her little sister have fun and a new friend without her? Willow did not intend to hurt her sister’s feeling; she just wanted to have her own adventure. In the end, she gave her sister the best gift of all. Now the two will never truly be apart.
Lori Nichols always tells such wonderful stories of love and kindness in her Maple books. The two sisters have created their own world of friendship and have created adventures with nature in their own backyard.
May 11, 2017
Two sisters who have trouble being apart find a way to maintain their bond despite one going off to school while the other has to stay behind. This is a nice story of sibling bonds that are tested by growing up, and how they overcome them.
July 22, 2015
I will always read the Maple and Willow stories for their gorgeous illustrations.
Another sweet sibling story from Lori Nichols.
Another sweet sibling story from Lori Nichols.
July 18, 2015
Close siblings adjust to separation when older one goes off to kindergarten.
August 5, 2015
As the youngest sibling, I was touched by this story of a younger sister adjusting to her older sister starting kindergarten.
December 14, 2017
I love this series of two sisters...
March 21, 2023
Maple & Willow Apart is an adorable book about the struggles that young children go through as their lives begin to change. Maple and Willow are obviously inseparable sisters who love to spend time together. However, Maple starts to go to school and leaves Willow behind. Willow understands that her sister has to go to school now, but she feels lost without her and does not know how to move through her day without Maple. She especially becomes upset when Maple comes home and tells her how wonderful her day was and the different adventures she had. Willow explains that she played with her new friend Pip, who has a bumpy head and is afraid of squirrels. The illustrator hints at who this friend really is by picturing an acorn next to Willow as she describes Pip. On the next page, Willow is seen meeting her new friend under an oak tree, he looks to be a little boy with an acorn shaped hat. As Maple and Willow move through the week, Maple comes home everyday to tell her family about her adventures, and Willow matches those stories to show her sister that she also had a great day. As Maple becomes jealous of her sister and her adventures, she begins to miss playing at home with her sister. So, Willow tells Maple to bring Pip to school, and from then on, she brings Pip to school to remind her of home and her sister. This book's illustrations are soft and bring the reader into the Fall setting. Each girl is depicted to show just how little they are, which highlights the struggles they are experiencing with their new routines. When Willow is playing with Pip, many of the illustrations are portrayed on a blank white page, so the reader can focus on Willow and her activities. This book would be wonderful to share with younger children who are experiencing the same changes in their lives. It is a simple story whose message comes across clearly and will definitely be beneficial for younger students and siblings.
May 29, 2017
When Maple starts Kindergarten, Willow has to stay at home and find other ways to occupy her time while she's missing her big sister. When Maple comes home, all she wants to do is talk about what she did at school, so Willow tells her about her new friend 'Pip' (who is actually imaginary). Both sisters miss each other throughout the day and eventually find ways to still think of one another while separated.
These Maple stories are so heart-warming and remind me how lucky I am to have a big sister. Willow, like Maple, is very imaginative and I love how her imaginary friend Pip is actually inspired by an acorn - again, keeping the whole friendship-with-nature theme alive and thriving in this third installment of the Maple series.
This story is very real and accessible for kids with brothers or sisters - from Maple's excitement over starting school to the girls being jealous of one another's lives away from each other when they actually just miss spending time together. When Maple was sad over the fact that 'Pip' taught Willow how to ride her bike, it totally got me in the feels!!!
These Maple stories are so heart-warming and remind me how lucky I am to have a big sister. Willow, like Maple, is very imaginative and I love how her imaginary friend Pip is actually inspired by an acorn - again, keeping the whole friendship-with-nature theme alive and thriving in this third installment of the Maple series.
This story is very real and accessible for kids with brothers or sisters - from Maple's excitement over starting school to the girls being jealous of one another's lives away from each other when they actually just miss spending time together. When Maple was sad over the fact that 'Pip' taught Willow how to ride her bike, it totally got me in the feels!!!
June 13, 2025
When Maple starts kindergarten, Willow makes a new friend named Pip. Each day Maple tells Willow about school and Willow shares what she did with Pip that day. When Willow says that Pip taught her how to ride a bike, Maple is disappointed because she wanted to teach Willow how to ride a bike. Eventually Maple starts taking Pip to school with her and Willow is okay with that "because Pip has a big family!" Pip is an acorn. Although I like the idea of Maple taking something with her to school that reminds her of Willow and helps them feel connected while apart, I wish that item had been like a heart-shaped rock or something instead. It is weird that Willow is talking to acorns and whatnot. One of the illustrations shows a tiny Willow with an acorn person in a bird's nest. It's just a bit silly.
October 28, 2020
Maple and Willow do everything together, but when it is time to start big girl school Willow starts to feel left out. With Maple in school, Willow comes up with an idea to have something of her own as well. In the need both girls realize they are missing each other the same and find a way to stay connected in this time of change. The message of the story is that even when apart friends and siblings can still find ways to feel connected and together. This is a good book to read when big changes are happening and could be good for feelings of jealous or changes in siblings or friendships. The illustrations and story are touching and funny and flow well together. It is a very good book.
March 28, 2023
عنوان فارسی: من و خواهرم دور از هم
جلد سوم این مجموعه خواهرانه
در این جلد افرا خانوم اونقدر بزرگ شده که باید بره مدرسه. بید خانوم هم بزرگ شده ولی هنوز نباید بره مدرسه.افرا هر روز خوشحال و خندان میره مدرسه و وقتی برمیگرده از یه بند از اتفاقات مدرسه میگه.
افرا که انتطار داره بید خیلی بهش سخت گذشته باشه، میفهمه که اون یه دوست جدید به اسم پیپ پیدا کرده که کلی با هم بازی می کنن و اصلا هم ناراحت نیست😉
افرا هر روز از این دوست جدید جناب پیپ می شنوه، تاجایی که با ناراحتی به خواهرش میگه من مدرسه رو دوست دارم، ولی بازی تو خونه رو هم دوست دارم.
فردا صبح قبل از رفتن افرا، بید براش یه شگفتانه داره😊
https://taaghche.com/book/89548
جلد سوم این مجموعه خواهرانه
در این جلد افرا خانوم اونقدر بزرگ شده که باید بره مدرسه. بید خانوم هم بزرگ شده ولی هنوز نباید بره مدرسه.افرا هر روز خوشحال و خندان میره مدرسه و وقتی برمیگرده از یه بند از اتفاقات مدرسه میگه.
افرا که انتطار داره بید خیلی بهش سخت گذشته باشه، میفهمه که اون یه دوست جدید به اسم پیپ پیدا کرده که کلی با هم بازی می کنن و اصلا هم ناراحت نیست😉
افرا هر روز از این دوست جدید جناب پیپ می شنوه، تاجایی که با ناراحتی به خواهرش میگه من مدرسه رو دوست دارم، ولی بازی تو خونه رو هم دوست دارم.
فردا صبح قبل از رفتن افرا، بید براش یه شگفتانه داره😊
https://taaghche.com/book/89548
September 5, 2019
I adore the whole MAPLE AND WILLOW series and the way they capture the every day issues and beauty of siblings. In this one, Maple is headed off to school and Willow is left behind. Being an oldest sibling I must admit I had never thought about it from the younger sibling side, only the older sibling jealousy about all the fun stuff they must being doing without me. This handles both perspectives with care and honesty and such sweetness. A great one for back to school time but truly any in this series are dear.
September 7, 2017
The Maple and Willow books are so adorable. Cute illustrations. Real life situations. Tenderly and sweetly done. Fun to see this story after sending my stepdaughter off to kindergarten. If her brother were one year older the two of them might really get this book even more. As it is, she might still enjoy it. Maybe. But I am done with finding more lesson-y books and wanting to just have some fun ones for now. Besides, the Maple books were just for me right now to see their story continued.
October 6, 2020
This is the autumn story of Maple and Willow when the sisters are separated because Maple is starting school. Nichols has a gift for weaving her plot with the seasons. The changes in their natural world are beautifully reflected in the illustrations and in Willow's response to the separation. Willow's imagination is inspiring as well as the love the sisters share.
June 4, 2017
For two sisters who have been inseparable, through good and bad, a simple change can be more than simple. Maple goes to kindergarten, leaving Willow on her own. She develops an imaginary friend to make her sister jealous, but all works out in the end. Very sweet. I love this series!
January 27, 2018
My preschooler loves the Maple & Willow series. “This book is fun but also a little sad cause the little sister is left behind and pretends an acorn is a child & her friend. I wish the writer would write more about Maple & Willow.”
May 11, 2021
Maple is old enough to go to school and she has to leave Willow behind. Willow makes a new friend named Pip and Maple gets a little worried she is missing out. Willow comes up with a great solution to the dilemma. Cute story. It took me a second to realize who Pip is.
September 16, 2022
Two sisters like to play together but then feel left out of the activities the other sister experiences while one is away at school and one is home. I liked the imagination and the creative tangible way of feeling connected when apart.
March 3, 2017
megan winter reading 2017, children's book, picture book, siblings, separation, imagination, school, sisters, cute, bond, prek, kindergarten, first grade, second grade,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2018
The nature lover in me really enjoyed this story. So sweet.
September 12, 2018
Similar to the previous book, Maple and Willow Together. Cute, but not as cute as it thinks it is. The pig latin inside language thing is really annoying me now. Trying a little too hard. Meh.
November 29, 2018
A delightful tale of growing up and acceptance.
December 17, 2018
Such a sweet series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews