Mo Willems
Mo Willems, born 11 February 1968 in Des Plaines, Illinois, raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, is an American writer, animator, voice actor, and children’s book writer and illustrator. He is also a certifiable Force of Nature in reference to publishing. We list here the series of his that we carry. Yes, we know that he is prolific beyond these titles — one thing (or many things) at a time here. Willems, a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, worked for Sesame Street for nine years and has animated television series for Nickleodeon and the Cartoon Network. His books have been awarded multiple Caldecotts and more other awards than you could shake a stick at. Remarkable as his Picasso-esque illustrations are, his writing is extraordinarily honest and kind and thoughtful for children, which wins him a deep and passionate loyalty among our customers young and older. He is in great company as one of our top sellers of children’s books with colleagues such as Dr. Seuss, Shel Silverstein, Kevin Henkes, and newcomer Drew Daywalt.
There Is a Bird on Your Head!
There Is a Bird on Your Head!
Beginning readers familiar with Willems's books will recognize his distinctive humor and illustrative style in these stories. When Piggie receives her first invitation to a party, she asks Gerald to join her and relies on his advice because he "knows" parties in order to prepare for the big event. The elephant, however, has a tendency to overanalyze, so he prepares them both for any contingency a fancy/pool/costume party. Piggie's expressive features show her questions about their attire, but the friends set off bedecked in flippers, masks, top hat, pearl earrings, cowboy hat, and evening dress. Imagine her surprise when they find all the other guests as lavishly overdressed as they are. In the second title, Gerald learns that there are worse things than a bird on your head, namely, two love birds, a nest, and three hatchlings. With the help of Piggie, he is finally able to ask them to move, but, as the final page reveals, they have become her problem. Both books use speech bubbles gray ones for Gerald, pink for Piggie to tell the entire story. This feature is a nice touch that facilitates paired/choral readings. The conversation between the friends flows smoothly and allows beginning readers to practice expression as they read. These appealing titles will tickle the funny bones of children and are sure to become favorites.