Whillie
The Cart Who Found His Heart
Published on 9. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
152 pages
978-1-969999-09-3 (ISBN)
Description
Whillie: The Cart Who Found His Heart is a warm, witty story about self-discovery, belonging, and learning what it truly means to be enough.
At the Windy City WonderMart, Whillie isn't like the other carts. While they rush through busy aisles, eager to be chosen, Whillie wonders if there might be more to life than simply carrying what others need. With big questions and an even bigger heart, he sets off on a journey through hidden corners of the store, unexpected friendships, and moments of quiet courage.
But when Whillie is forced to slow down, he must face his greatest fear, being left behind, and discover that worth isn't found in keeping up, but in being true to who you are.
Told from the unique perspective of a shopping cart, and brought to life through the distinctive illustrations of K.J. Kaschula, this thoughtful story by Francesca MacDonald gently weaves in real-world science and observation, inviting readers to see the everyday in new and meaningful ways.
Written for readers aged 8-12, but meaningful for all ages, Whillie invites reflection, sparks conversation, and reminds us to notice what's already right in front of us.
More details
Language
English
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 8 to 12 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
337 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-969999-09-3 (9781969999093)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Francesca MacDonald is a storyteller, creative instigator, and devoted mother of two. She was born in Venice, Italy, a city where imagination is woven into everyday life and wonder hides in plain sight. Inspired by her sons' compassion, curiosity, and creative courage, Francesca writes stories that honor intuition, emotional awareness, and the power of noticing what others might overlook. She believes that big ideas don't belong only to grown-ups, they belong to anyone brave enough to listen to their inner voice. Her life journey has carried her from the winding streets of Venice to transformative experiences in Haiti and to a serendipitous meeting with her husband on a Hollywood stage during a cross-country road trip. Together, they co-founded HitZERØ, a purpose-driven music platform designed to help people access clarity, creativity, and inner balance through sound. Above all, Francesca believes that if an idea finds you, it has a reason. She hopes her stories remind young readers that imagination is not something we grow out of, it is something we grow into. Francesca is a polyglot who moves easily between languages, cultures, and creative worlds.Francesca loves live shows, especially Broadway and Cirque du Soleil, and believes joy is serious business. Sometimes joy looks like a perfectly foamed cappuccino, a bowl filled with five different cereals (just like Frederic likes it), or saying yes to ideas others might dismiss as impossible. You can explore Whillie's world, music, and exclusive merchandise at: francescamacdonald.com and whilliesradio.com