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Mo Willems
Reading Rockets recommends the following books by Mo Willems.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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