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Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.
 

Featured books by

Mo Willems

Reading Rockets recommends the following books by Mo Willems.

Are You Ready to Play Outside?
Are You Ready to Play Outside?
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Piggie and his elephant friend, Gerald, are back this time to play outdoors in rain and in sun. Their unlikely friendship is patient, gently humorous, and reflective of friendship — regardless of age or species!

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Pigeon desperately wants to drive the bus, but continued requests are turned down, he becomes increasingly frustrated and irritated. Crisp illustrations and simple typeface tell a story that may be all too familiar! Young children and parents alike will relate to the theme of this Caldecott Honor book.

Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!
Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Readers take over for the bus driver, who cautions them not to let the pigeon stay up late. But as in other books about this willful bird, well… Children get to see this situation from the adult's perspective as the pigeon finds excuses not to go to bed.

Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct
Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie tries to convince the townspeople that dinosaurs are extinct. No one believes him, except Edwina, the talented and kind cookie-baking dinosaur — and she should know! The silly humor of Reginald�s comeuppance is conveyed in understated text and cartoon illustration.

I Will Surprise My Friend
I Will Surprise My Friend
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Like Frog and Toad, Piggie, a pig, and Gerald, the elephant, are the best of friends. In their latest adventure, the friends play together and surprise each other — in surprising and a gently humorous way.

Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity
Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

What's worse than finding out that Sonja has a Knuffle Bunny just like Trixie? Learning that there has been a Knuffle Bunny mix-up in the wee hours of the morning when most preschoolers are sleeping! All's well in the satisfying sequel to the Caldecott honor-winning Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale (2004).

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Trixie enjoys errands with her dad until her beloved stuffed toy, Knuffle Bunny, is left at the Laundromat. It takes her mom's insight to figure out what made Trixie go "boneless." Only then is the beloved toy recovered and Trixie utters her first real words! Cartoon characters are imposed on a background of monochromatic photographs portraying a New York neighborhood. The book was awarded a Caldecott Honor.

Leonardo the Terrible Monster
Leonardo the Terrible Monster
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Because Leonardo is a small, not very menacing monster, he decides to find a kid to "scare the tuna salad out of!" Instead, Leonardo finds a boy in need of a pal and decides not to become a terrible monster but a wonderful friend. Clean-lined illustrations and interesting typeface share a story of finding your place and making new friends.

Mole Rat Gets Dressed
Mole Rat Gets Dressed
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Wilbur is a different kind of mole rat. Instead of always being naked, he dons sporty clothing much to the chagrin of others. That is until his Grand-pah also asks "Why not?" Willems' understated humor in both text and illustration will delight readers of all ages.

The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When Pigeon starts to eat a hot dog, a smaller duckling continues to ask obvious questions like, "Is that a hot dog?" Readers are sure to recognize the behavior of younger siblings in this simply revealed and very funny tale.

The Pigeon Has Feelings Too!
The Pigeon Has Feelings Too!
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Pigeon is back on the bus and wants readers to know that he is not always happy. His range of emotions is conveyed in clean line and minimum text in this board book with lots of parent appeal.

The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!
The Pigeon Loves Things That Go!
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Pigeon emotes grandly about his desire to drive anything that moves: bus, train, plane — whatever! Willems' signature style conveys pigeon's locomotive passion and contagious energy.

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Pigeon — like most young children — wants a puppy and he wants it now. He wheedles, begs, and promises to get it. Will pigeon change his mind when a puppy shows up? Readers will appreciate that the indomitable pigeon speaks directly to them on each appealing page.

There Is a Bird on Your Head!
There Is a Bird on Your Head!
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

When a bird builds its nest on Elephant's head, his buddy Piggie suggests that Elephant simply ask the bird to move to another location. The bird honors Elephant's polite request and takes up residence on Piggie's head! Humor abounds in the understated text and simple illustrations of this easy-to-read book.

Time to Say 'Please'!
Time to Say 'Please'!
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Kids will learn how manners can get a positive response, but the silliness of the situations make it fun to read. They will find a lesson and a laugh in these pages, presented with Willems' signature humor and uncluttered format.

Watch Me Throw the Ball!
Watch Me Throw the Ball!
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Gerald the elephant can throw a ball a long distance but to his surprise, Piggie delights in just throwing the ball no distance at all. Willem's signature humor and cartoon style using dialogue balloons reminds readers that Piggie and Gerald have a great deal to share.

Interested in wonderful interviews with tween and teen authors? Hop on over to our sister site, AdLit.org, and browse the library.

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