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.
We Are in a Book!
We Are in a Book!
Make room for another satisfying episode in the escapades of lovable Elephant (aka Gerald) and Piggie. This time the best buddies star in a witty metafictional romp replete with visual gags, such as Piggie hanging from a speech bubble and Elephant blocking the author's name on the title page. Willems revs up the fun when the friends realize that someone is watching. Who can it be? Cautious Gerald asks, "A monster?" while savvy Piggie answers, "No. It is...a reader! A reader is reading us!" Mirth ensues as the delightful creatures comprehend a newfound power: "If the reader reads out loud," they can make the reader say words. Piggie decides upon "Banana" and Gerald's sidesplitting laughter proves contagious for all involved. But, when Gerald learns that books end, with Piggie demonstrating by turning the bottom corner of the page to see how many are left, he shouts, "This book is going too fast! I have more to give!" Not to worry the ever-resourceful Piggie has Gerald ask, "Will you please read us again?" Beginning readers will grant Gerald's request, while grown-ups will marvel at Willems's extraordinary ability to animate his personality-packed gray and pink characters with the widest range of emotions, all drawn with the simplest of line.