Willy the Wimp is the first book in Anthony Browne's beloved Willy series. This special 30th-anniversary edition lets readers fall in love all over again with Willy's timeless charm, thirty years after he was first introduced to the world. With every page turn, readers naturally find themselves worrying about Willy, wondering what will happen next, and smiling as they get swept up in his story. Willy is a gentle, soft-hearted friend who can't even hurt a fly — in fact, even when someone hits him, he says "Oh, I'm sorry!" first. The neighborhood gorillas call him "Willy the Wimp." Being called a wimp is the last thing Willy wants, and one day he spots a flyer that reads, "Don't Be a Wimp!" It promises that he could lead others like a chief, stand up to bullies, and speak with confidence. Willy decides it's time for a change. He starts doing exercises, eating a special new diet, learning to box, and lifting weights. After all this effort, what happens to Willy? Does he really become a brave hero? Anthony Browne's 30th Anniversary Special Edition of Willy the Wimp Anthony Browne began his career as a picture book author in 1976 with Through the Magic Mirror, and quickly became known for his clean, focused storytelling, witty yet symbolic text, and brilliant imagination. He has won the Kate Greenaway Medal twice and received the Hans Christian Andersen Award — the highest honor for a picture book author — cementing his place as a beloved, world-renowned author with a devoted following that endures even 40 years later. Willy the Wimp is the first book in Anthony Browne's Willy series — you could call it the very first appearance of our friend, the chimpanzee Willy. Even thirty years after his debut, Willy the Wimp continues to be a picture book that lets readers fully enjoy his timeless charm. Does Willy really become brave? He's a gentle soul who can't bring himself to hurt a fly, and even when someone hits him, he apologizes first, saying, "Oh, I'm sorry!" The neighborhood gorillas call him "Willy the Wimp." Being labeled a wimp is something Willy can no longer accept, and he notices a flyer that says, "Don't Be a Wimp!" It suggests that he could lead others like a chief, stand up to bad guys, and speak with confidence. So Willy decides to change. He starts exercising, eating differently, learning to box, and lifting weights. After all his hard work, what happens to Willy? Does he truly become a brave hero? With every turn of the page, Willy the Wimp draws readers in — worrying about Willy, wondering what comes next, and smiling as they get lost in his story. Here's to cheering on all the Willys of the world! Curiously, the chimpanzee Willy in Anthony Browne's stories isn't your typical dashing hero. He's actually rather small, shabby, timid, and not particularly good at much of anything — often the target of teasing. So what was Anthony Browne trying to say through a character like Willy? The answer lies in how Willy chooses to live his life. Though he seems weak and fragile at first, we come to deeply relate to Willy as he resolves not to be a wimp anymore and works hard, step by step, to improve himself. And in the end, watching Willy overcome his challenges in his own way — refusing to bow to the world's prejudices — fills us with a sense of triumph, satisfaction, and confidence. Through Willy, a character so relatably human, Anthony Browne offers comfort to anxious hearts and gentle encouragement and courage to anyone who feels the urge to hide.