First lady Jill Biden will release a new children’s book in June that tells the story of the first family’s pet cat, Willow, as she moves to Washington, D.C. and explores the different rooms in the White House while meeting the people who ensure everything runs smoothly.
The book, called “Willow the White House Cat,” is being co-written by author Alyssa Satin Capucilli and illustrated by artist Kate Berube. It will be published by Paula Wiseman Books, which is a part of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
“As Willow explores her new home, she quickly learns about all the amazing people who make the ‘People’s House’ function,” the first lady stated in a press release on Tuesday , announcing the upcoming release of the book.
“They welcomed Willow with love and care, much like they did Joe and me, the First Families who came before us, and all the people who enter this home. Making many new friends along the way, Willow’s journey offers the world a unique view of all the details of America’s most famous address,” Biden added.
The Bidens adopted Willow, an American tabby domestic short-haired cat, from a farmer, Rick Telesz, in Lawrence County, Pa., according to the publisher’s announcement. The first lady was widely reported to be the driving force behind the decision to adopt Willow, who was named for the first lady’s hometown of Willow Grove, Pa.
“Willow made quite an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop,” a spokesperson for the first lady stated in 2022. “Seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr. Biden.”
Biden is notably the only first lady to hold another job while serving as first lady. She teaches English as a community college professor, and she has written previous children’s books, including, “Where the Light Enters,” “Don’t Forget, God Bless Our Troops,” and “Joey: The Story of Joe Biden.”
