Simon & Schuster’s Paula Wiseman Books imprint is set to release Willow the White House Cat, a new picture book from First Lady Jill Biden. Cowritten with Alyssa Satin Capucilli, and illustrated by Kate Berube, Willow the White House Cat will publish on June 4.
The picture book follows the titular feline’s transition from living in a barn to residing in an iconic American house. As Willow adjusts to her new home, she finds new places to play and interesting staff members who are busy with their jobs but always make time to welcome her.
“First Lady Jill Biden has created a heartwarming picture book with Willow the White House Cat,” said Jon Anderson, president and publisher of Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, in a statement. “Readers young and old will enjoy this fun glimpse into Willow’s life in the White House, and the message that being open to new friendships can sometimes surprise you, is one that is sure to resonate with families everywhere.”
The tale is inspired by the Biden family’s real pet, American tabby cat Willow (named after Biden’s hometown of Willow Grove, Pa.), and her reception by the White House staff upon her arrival. “They welcomed Willow with love and care, just as they did Joe and me, the First Families who came before us, and all of the people who step foot into this home,” Jill Biden said. “Making many new friends along the way, Willow’s journey gives the world a ‘cats-eye’ view of all the ins and outs of America’s most famous address.”
Willow the White House Cat will be edited by Paula Wiseman; Mollie Glick and David M. Larabell at Creative Artists Agency represented Biden and Lori Kikelly at LK Literary Agency represented Berube in the deal for world rights. This marks the First Lady’s third children’s book with Simon & Schuster, following Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops and Joey: The Story of Joe Biden.
