tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55089398445253295352012-01-29T16:41:14.276-05:00doodles, news, and MoMohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comBlogger10871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-70892669642318895402012-01-27T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-27T08:00:01.110-05:00

The folks at Weston Woods have just released a 2-DVD set of cartoons and documentaries based on my books.  Mo Willems Pigeon & Pals the Complete Collection brings together the cartoons from the volume 1 and volume 2 of the Mo Willems Cartoon Collection. The set contains award-winning animation of the Pigeon, Knuffle Bunny, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, Leonardo the Terrible Monster plus

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-45705971381533537792012-01-26T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-26T08:00:03.149-05:00

Just in from Hong Kong.  Always fun to see the books in another language. Funnily enough, to date City Dog, Country Frog has been translated only in Asian nations (China, Japan, Korea) although France is on it's way. In New York State, City Dog, Country Frog is a Nominee for a Charlotte Award (a cool award voted on by real, live NYS kids!)  So, if you go to school in NY, go vote!

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-21109600611591394262012-01-25T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-25T08:00:06.388-05:00

Google has just announced their annual Doodle for Google contest for kids K-12.  It's a nationwide contest with some pretty great grant and scholarship money attached for the winners. And it'll get KIDS DRAWING, which is always awesome. I'm happy to say I'll be one of the judges along with pals Holly Black, Tony DiTerlizzi, animation dude Jeff "Swampy" Marsh (whose Phinneas and Ferb employs a

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-47759406761303949112012-01-24T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-24T08:16:41.036-05:00

The folks at ALA asked me to make a video expressing my thanks for Elephant and Piggie's winning a Geisel Honor for I BROKE MY TRUNK! Unfortunately, I'm simply too busy to help out, but Elephant and Piggie were available. The video might be on an ALA site soon, but until then, here's a sneak peek:

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-30796303262658506972012-01-23T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-23T10:00:30.416-05:00

Yesterday was spent with my family visiting the museums and library in Springfield, MA that surround a fabulous series of sculptures featuring Dr Seuss characters and Ted Geisel himself. Upon my return, I really did not expect to get a call from Dallas where the American Library Association is meeting to (among other things) dole out their prestigious awards for the year. The caller promised me

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-25329559818866759192012-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-20T08:00:07.272-05:00

On my last few appearances I'd often been asked about my next book.  I'd always mention that this year will see the publication of a few Elephant & Piggie books and a new Pigeon book (The Duckling Gets A Cookie!?), but the last book of the year will feature all new characters and it's been kind of a secret. Until now, when I show the cover: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs as retold by Mo

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-43599812759596555952012-01-19T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-19T08:00:08.123-05:00

Just before Cartoon Network canceled my show Sheep in the Big City in late 2001 (to replace it with my best pal's show!) the network asked me to come up with a special that would wrap everything up. Things got a little hairy for General Specific and Private Public at the end of Sheep in the Big City's run. For those 6 of you who watched the show, I don't have to tell you it was about a Sheep

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-53090355052684694392012-01-18T08:30:00.000-05:002012-01-18T08:30:06.490-05:00

The ol' mailbag had a pleasant new year's surprise, my preview copy of Elephant & Piggie's upcoming adventure, LISTEN TO MY TRUMPET! It's always a thrill to hold the actual book in your hand after spending so much energy on a story then letting it sit while the publishing folk do their thing. Here's a jazzy interior spread: You can hold LISTEN TO MY TRUMPET! in your hands on February

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-78264548094954485802012-01-17T08:03:00.000-05:002012-01-17T08:03:00.365-05:00

For a second time I've been asked to create a design for a package of Valentines Day cards to benefit the organization Save the Children. Each package will include designs by pals Kevin Henkes, Brian Selznick, Leuyen Pham, and Ian Falconer and this Cat the Cat inspired one: You can see all the cards and order your own right here.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-35950918744891793992012-01-16T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-16T08:00:01.372-05:00

Let's hear it for the dream of America becoming a true Meritocracy.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-85477582788852027862012-01-13T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-13T08:00:09.660-05:00

Nothing starts the new year right like some fan mail favorites! As always enjoy & click on the images to enlarge. Piggie is surprised to see Wilbur the Naked Mole Rat on the scene! Love this drawing, it's a full scene filled with so much potential. From I WILL SURPRISE MY FRIEND! Vampire Piggie! Cat the Cat is looking mighty dapper today!

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-44409524481637020032012-01-12T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-12T08:00:11.705-05:00

Starting this weekend (Jan 14) and running every weekend thru Feb. 5, you can catch a musical adaptation of DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! at Milwaukee's First Stage.   I hope you enjoy the show!

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-75475811508749787662012-01-11T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-11T08:00:08.974-05:00

Original pencil sketch for Knuffle Bunny Too R Michelson Gallery is the country's premier gallery for children's illustration and I'm quite lucky to have them both as my gallery and my neighbors. The team has just put together a new website of my available work, including an in depth look at the Red Elephant and proposals for other large-scale work. If you're ever in Northampton, MA, the

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-35672114758032448122012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-10T08:00:06.461-05:00

Read, Kiddo, Read is holding it's annual award voting, where YOU get to vote for your favorite books. I'm happy to say that HOORAY FOR AMANDA AND HER ALLIGATOR! is a nominee in the illustrated category.  You can vote here (scroll down) if you have a Facebook account (which I don't). On another note, back in the day I made a few cartoons for MAD Magazine.  Their blog recently posted this

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-83872889876818925292012-01-09T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-09T15:12:57.576-05:00

I've just returned from DC where, in addition to some work, I managed to visit a Title 1 school and have my books distributed to the kids there (thanks to An Open Book Foundation) and see the final run of the Knuffle Bunny Musical. Backstage with the big, dancing Knuffle Bunny After the last Saturday show, we held an impromptu Q&A with the cast. Then the cast and crew (past and present)

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-57044676833336731632012-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-06T08:00:17.840-05:00

I'm off to Washington DC for a few days of work. Hope to see you at the KC on Saturday. While you're waiting, go over the the CYBILs finalists sites to check out lists of great books that happen to be nominated for this year's award given by digitally-savy kids book lovers.  I'm very happy to report that a personal favorite, Elephant and Piggie's I BROKE MY TRUNK!, make the list of

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-67869685499568693092012-01-05T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-05T08:00:01.188-05:00

The Week of February 7th is this year's Friendiversary! What's a Friendiversary, you ask? It's the celebration of when two pals first met, in this case Elephant and Piggie. It's an opportunity for fun, games, friendship, and reading! But it's actually an opportunity for you to get books into the hands of kids who otherwise might not have their own books at home. For the past several

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-88031290814054351902012-01-04T08:00:00.001-05:002012-01-04T08:00:12.555-05:00

So sorry to hear yesterday of the passing of Ronald Searle who was the greatest cartoonist of them all in the opinion of pretty much anyone who has ever owned a nib. I discovered his work at an impressionable age in college and immediately set about aping his style in my early films and comics as much as I could.  My travelog during my post-college year of travel, YOU CAN NEVER FIND A

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-71640928787965864112012-01-03T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-03T08:00:03.109-05:00

Carolina News 14 likes DON'T LET THE PIGEON RUN THIS APP!  Hope you do, too. Cool Tech Mom named the app one of a "Coolest App for Grade Schoolers". Digital Storytime called it one of the Best Apps of the year. Sweet! (For those of you who are asking about this application for android formats, the answer I've gotten is: not now.  This is due to technical requirements rather than not

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-34578054393510797352012-01-01T08:00:00.000-05:002012-01-01T08:00:03.621-05:00

Hope everyone had a safe and fun new years celebration (I'll speak softly). 2012 is looking to be a fun year with lots of new surprises and fun visits. Before I get into the year, I want to point out this great article in today's NYTimes putting a scientific eye towards some classic kids books including BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR WHAT DO YOU SEE, CURIOUS GEORGE, and FROG AND TOAD. Somehow

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-56247606312828926072011-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-21T08:00:05.011-05:00

Here's a blast from the past with some printables for this holiday: From 2007 A little gift… Here’s a little something for the holiday season: a Pigeon bookplate. Click on the image to enlarge, print, fill in the name of a friend, and voila! Goes well with all kinds of books. Except maybe Jon Scieszka books. I don’t think they’ll work with Jon Scieszka books.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-31941855261786058902011-12-20T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-20T08:00:00.467-05:00

I'd like to take a moment to thank you, my supporters and readers, who are the bow on my happy package of family, health, and a rewarding job. The end of the year is a time to reflect on one's good fortune and to find ways, however small, to ease the path for those with less opportunities. Here are some groups both national and local whose work I admire: One of the highest indicators of future

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-33084822447612387182011-12-19T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-19T09:07:05.673-05:00

Let's end the year off with some fan mail favorites.  A great batch came in this month.  I was especially appreciative of the many kind notes from teachers about what they're doing with (and to) my characters to get kids READING and CREATING. Without further ado: (Click to enlarge) My favorite of the batch is this collaborative effort between 2 girls named Sophie entitled: DON'T LET THE

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-27514387694978567032011-12-16T08:20:00.000-05:002011-12-16T08:20:00.921-05:00

Tomorrow Knuffle Bunny: a Cautionary Musical will begin its final run at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, where the show opened in May of 2010.  After @ 18 months of travel, the show comes home from Dec. 17 - January 8. There have now been 3 casts for this show and it's amazing and interesting to see how different the show becomes as each set of actors brings their own sense to the show.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-7732758473388751772011-12-15T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-15T08:00:14.029-05:00

My agent gets quite a odd rights requests come across her desk, but this one was the cheesiest: A library in, you guessed it, Wisconsin recently had a book party/cheese cutting party featuring Elephant & Piggie, Knuffle Bunny, & Trixie. No. Really. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. You cheddar believe it was Awesome!   And thanks to Newsday for naming HOORAY

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-77544471496056849672011-12-14T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-14T08:00:15.074-05:00

My favorite time of the evening is after dinner when the family draws on the paper table cloth.  We've been doing this and drawing on the walls for years now, but it never gets old. Here are some recent faves: Some 4-legged friends from myself & my kid: I love these portraits my daughter has been making:  My wife's abstractions are real fun, too:

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-89742404741709692862011-12-05T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-05T08:00:11.758-05:00

I'll be taking a break from posting for the next week or so to concentrate on some work and such... Please poke around the site in case you've missed anything, or drop by PigeonPresents.com or GoMo.net. The_Pigeon will probably be doing some "tweeting" as well. Have a lovely Sinterklaas.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-37101270096484955902011-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-02T08:00:10.962-05:00

I'll be attending the 2pm Sunday Dec. 4th performance of KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL at Pittsfield's Colonial Theater on Sunday, followed by a Q+A and a signing (including the soundtrack to the musical), one of my very few appearances over the next month or so. If you're in the area, drop by and say hello.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-18687296354895275552011-12-01T08:00:00.000-05:002011-12-01T08:13:18.137-05:00

I'm happy to announce that the fine folks at YottoY have added a few stuffed friends to their line-up of lovies based on my characters. First off, from HOORAY FOR AMANDA & HER ALLIGATOR! there are two new best friends, Alligator and Panda.  Like the Elephant and Piggie stuffies, they come attached with a simple loop that can be opened or closed. Alligator and Panda's publicity shot. Here

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-57823257264572633932011-11-30T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-30T08:00:03.403-05:00

We had a visit of extended family over the holidays, so what better way to celebrate during the big dinner than have the kids (ages 12-7) draw on the chalkboard walls? My kid's portrait of her cousin as an manga hero. Gotta love Yay Mouse Can't go wrong with an Owl. I can't get enough of these silly monsters! More Owls. A happy, gift bearing bear. You

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-44170195389317050212011-11-28T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-28T08:00:02.880-05:00

The family spent some of the holiday at the movies watching HUGO. I couldn't be happier for pal Brain Selznick's recent successful movie adaptation of his successful opus The Invention of Hugo Cabret.  I remember a dinner 6 or so years back where he laid out the rough ideas of what he was working on.  It sounded so exciting and daunting.  Now to see his book get the acclaim it deserves followed

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-90102507277071586932011-11-25T12:05:00.000-05:002011-11-25T12:05:27.440-05:00

If you're looking for something for this holiday season featuring one of my characters,  but are unsure what's available please drop the by Mo Willems Stuff site. The site is NOT a merchant site, rather it posts info and links about my books, toys and plush, animation (both for schools and libraries and the general public), wearable stuff, and posters and art.  You can also search by your

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-18923902014885523752011-11-23T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-23T08:00:08.354-05:00

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year, because it's inclusive, there's no wrong way to celebrate it, and no one complains that their Thanksgiving day gifts weren't what they wanted. We'll be eating and doodling with family & friends. Here at the Studio, we have an embarrassment of riches to be thankful for, including our family, health, & your support. Have a great

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-58387620060381128412011-11-22T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-22T09:34:58.849-05:00

Here's a Family Fun Magazine contest that you might enjoy: The Pigeon-y prize pack contest is for both the print and digital versions of this month's issue of Family Fun. Good luck! Full rules here. Speaking of contests, NYU's Skirball Center has a Knuffle Bunny Themed one to celebrate the Knuffle Bunny Musical coming to their theater this week!

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-80910903027316154302011-11-21T08:00:00.001-05:002011-11-21T08:26:19.791-05:00

Speaking of dining room doodles, here's a recent one: Speaking of doodles.  My pal Mr. Warburton doesn't have a paper table cloth in his house, but he has a very cool way of drawing with his boys.  They both get real-life, actual grown-up sketchbooks, just like their daddy! Then both the eldest and youngest kid get together and draw with dad. Awesome! Why not draw with your family soon?

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-14650811288765506852011-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-25T12:09:52.697-05:00

It has been a very busy fall, so I'll be slowing things down a bit over the next few months appearance-wise. All of my appearances, funnily enough, will be theatrical in nature. Please remember to check with the venues regarding tickets, policies, etc... Sunday, December 4, 2011, 2pm The Colonial Theater Pittsfield, MA I will be attending a performance of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-42239832138812230802011-11-17T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-22T12:14:07.394-05:00

Last weekend I paid a visit to Storrs, CT to read and sign at the CT Book Fair and attend a dinner with a bunch of pals. But before all of that, the talented Matt Tavares and I took a quick backstage tour of the Dodd Center, an archive that houses a vast array of fantastic stuff in addition to having an archive of my early drawings, papers, and whatnot. Matt and I on tour. I'd not seen my

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-29437205725215290302011-11-16T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-16T08:00:23.609-05:00

Here is a picture of the illustrators who showed up for the opening of the 22nd annual Illustrators Show at Northampton's R. Michelson Gallery: More, goofier, photos are here. It was great fun catching up with pals, old and new.  The exhibit is great and well worth a visit if you're in the area.  It runs until the New Year.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-29111534826165151122011-11-15T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-15T08:00:03.952-05:00

It was my pal Holly Black's Birthday recently, so I doodled up this doodle:

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-11117340818196034802011-11-14T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-14T15:14:07.618-05:00

It was a great thrill to be asked to draw this fall's Children's Book Section cover for the NYTimes. They really wanted something 'seasonal', so this is what I came up with: The final piece, as seen in your Sunday paper. The scene takes place before Knuffle Bunny Free. You'll note some of my characters sneaking into the scene and (if you're Dutch) the carrot for Schimmel. The scene features

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-53033261751830893202011-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-11T08:00:15.867-05:00

So it's cool when three 11's get together for the day. And if that's not enough, how about this fun, short interview? If that's not enough, how about visiting with me and Elephant and Piggie in Storrs, CT on Sunday?

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-59356681524177655882011-11-10T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-10T08:00:30.503-05:00

A few new Pigeon games have hit the shelves.  Hope you enjoy them: First off there's The Pigeon Wants a Puzzle! 4 in 1 Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles 4 different puzzles, each a different number of pieces, in a box! Available at your favorite toy store or here. Then there's The Pigeon Match-ominoes!   "Have endless fun with Mo Willems' Pigeon in three classic games: Matching, Bingo and Dominoes

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-90569774387805741692011-11-09T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-09T08:00:08.051-05:00

Here's a sampling of some Fan Mail Favorites from this month's batch: As always, click an image to enlarge. Halloween Theme Party! A whole class celebrates HAPPY PIG DAY! (note the Pigeon sneaking in) More Halloween fun. Love the facial expressions! Don't Let the Pigeon Escape the Hosptle PART 2! Gangs all here. That is one powerful rocket ship! The

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-10571084556474363462011-11-08T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-08T08:36:14.663-05:00

Hooray for Amanda and Her Alligator! has a few things to say "Hooray!" about. Publishers Weekly has selected the 6-1/2 Stories as one of their best books of the year along with a bunch of other really great titles. They say: "Willems excels at putting his audience first, and the six and a half stories that make up

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-79395596003592950382011-11-07T08:00:00.000-05:002011-11-07T08:00:05.965-05:00

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-88909248162946507402011-11-04T08:00:00.000-04:002011-11-04T08:00:12.409-04:00

I'll be joining @ 6 Billion other Children's Book Illustrators and pals on Sunday at Richard Michelson's Northampton Gallery on Sunday afternoon.  It'll be fun! Here are a few pix from last year:

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-83645518015121472022011-11-03T08:00:00.001-04:002011-11-03T08:00:11.459-04:00

Here is my latest READ poster to benefit the fine folks at ALA: It features Elephant and Piggie reading happy books, and the Pigeon, well, reading. You can get it for your class, library, or home right here!   There are also bookmarks available! And, thanks to you, HAPPY PIG DAY! has returned to the NYTimes Bestseller list at #9!  Thanks, you. Add caption

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-56900915819861122222011-11-02T06:00:00.000-04:002011-11-02T10:45:30.890-04:00

In honor of pal Eric Carle's latest book, The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, a gaggle of illustrators have made their own take on the idea as part of an online auction to benefit arts education around the country.  There are some truly amazing pieces out there.  My Orange Pigeon (poorly reproduced on the site, unfortunately) is in this batch of bidding. Go take a look!

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-69081918186778650242011-11-01T08:00:00.000-04:002011-11-01T15:18:04.933-04:00

I'm back at the studio, using electricity and other things I'd missed for a few days during the East Coast storm, and thought I'd give an update of the past week of NYC adventures. The big news of the week was the release of the Pigeon's first Application, DON'T LET THE PIGEON RUN THIS APP! which was accompanied by a flurry of press and interviews including this story in USA Today , NPR's

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-2911658900104683902011-10-31T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-31T08:00:20.374-04:00

Here's a pictorial rundown of some costumes from past years!       Elephant & Piggie! Okay, these are the official guys, but still! From the Pigeon Musical From the Knuffle Musical Have a happy day out there! If you and your monkey are getting dressed up as one of my characters this year, let the folks at

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-77600798049336272582011-10-27T09:30:00.000-04:002011-10-27T09:30:03.292-04:00

I'll be visiting the Apple store in NYC's Upper West Side Saturday morning at 10am (if you're in the neighborhood, stop by).  Why an Apple store, instead of a book shop? Well, for the last million months or so we've been working on a Pigeon Application entitled, DON'T LET THE PIGEON RUN THIS APP! This project is, ironically, an outgrowth of my distaste for 'enhanced' digital books, which I

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-11400366327873573702011-10-25T08:00:00.001-04:002011-10-25T08:00:06.071-04:00

I'm thrilled to have an essay included in the 50th Anniversary Edition of my pal Norton Juster's classic chapter book, The Phantom Tollbooth. I hope you enjoy the essay and reading (or re-reading) this great American book. Available at your favorite library, bookstore, or here.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-49949309569429475692011-10-21T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-21T09:12:26.148-04:00

Many thanks to the Maryland Library Association for bestowing Elephant and Piggie's WE ARE IN A BOOK! with the 2011 Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award for Beginning Fiction! Librarians rock! Thanks to you HAPPY PIG DAY! will spend it's second week on the NYTimes Bestseller list at #4 and it's first time on the PW Bestseller list (also at #4) Huzzah! Thanks to

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-45275751007413893622011-10-20T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-20T08:00:10.058-04:00

The AV Club, whose interviews are always insightful, has posted a feature about their favorite children's television, film, and books that deal with mortality and CITY DOG, COUNTRY FROG made their list. More than one parent on this last tour told me that the book had been helpful to their family during a difficult time and for that I'm grateful.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-68798425135290596852011-10-19T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-19T08:00:15.343-04:00

A quick note about a public appearance that has just been rescheduled.  I'll be making a special appearance at Manhattan Upper West Side's Apple Store [1981 Broadway New York City, NY 10023 (212) 209-3400] on Saturday October 29th at 10am.     Speaking of past appearances,  The Red Elephant has been hanging out at the Eric Carle Museum for a few

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-89151803016995290372011-10-18T08:00:00.002-04:002011-10-18T12:06:59.090-04:00

Today sees the release of the 2nd volume of The Mo Willems Cartoon Collection, featuring the award-wining animated versions of THE PIGEON FINDS A HOT DOG!, KNUFFLE BUNNY TOO, and NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED.  Also included is a documentary about my work, and updated interview, and a really great piece with animator Pete List about the process of making the Pigeon come to life (this doc is

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-21694324344605192472011-10-17T09:40:00.001-04:002011-10-19T12:45:55.077-04:00

The HAPPY PIG DAY TOUR was great fun!  Thousands of folks came out to visit, hear stories, and meet Elephant and Piggie (who were driving around in their own ELEPHANT & PIGGIE MOBILE). Here are a few pix from the events: Here's how the tour looked to a 9 year old reporter. Huzzah! (And thanks to you, HAPPY PIG DAY! debuts this week on the New York

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-17150684739506849342011-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-10T08:00:20.181-04:00

I'm off on the HAPPY PIG DAY TOUR! I hope you'll drop by one of the events if you're in the neighborhood! Posts will return, when I do, in a week or so, but I'm sure The_Pigeon will continue tweeting while I'm away.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-90970540031651539852011-10-07T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-17T09:33:23.286-04:00

In light of how busy October is, November will be lighter when it comes to public appearances.  Either way, I'm excited about the events coming up. Everyone clumps around Norton Juster in last year's class picture. Sunday, November 6, 4pm Opening for 22nd Annual Children's Illustrator Show Richard Michelson Gallery Northampton, MA This is the big event of the year for MA authors and

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-10657199248565857952011-10-06T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-06T08:00:01.158-04:00

In a nice review from the fine folks at Booklist comes the following flattering commentary: "Swift changes in text and image size provide much of the humor, though nothing is funnier than Elephant’s rationalizing: “Sharing a flavor Piggie does not like would be wrong.” Is it even possible to get tired of these books?"  Hopefully, the answer is "no". Thanks, Booklist! Over at PW,

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-5338294557627644402011-10-05T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-05T08:00:08.935-04:00

If you're in Katonah, NY over the next 3 months drop by the Katonah Museum for a picture book exhibit entitled Storied City: New York in Picture Book Art.  Original work from Knuffle Bunny Too is included in the show which runs thru Dec. 31. If you're in Portland, Maine, some of my work is up at the University of New England through the end of the month. Also, Canadians like CITY DOG COUNTRY

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-13019508611625646112011-10-04T08:00:00.001-04:002011-10-04T08:36:53.984-04:00

Gerald is careful. Piggie is not. Piggie cannot help smiling. Gerald can. Gerald worries so that Piggie does not have to. Gerald and Piggie are best friends. In Happy Pig Day! Piggie celebrates her favorite day of the year! But will Gerald the Elephant be included in the festivities? I hope you enjoy it!   Your copy should be at your favorite bookstore or library TODAY. (or you can

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-17116133318834919032011-10-03T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-03T08:00:04.850-04:00

This weekend we installed The Red Elephant at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA  Followers of this digital journal have seen the progress since it's inception in January. Here is a photo journey of that process culminating in the sculpture fulfilling it's purpose: being played with by kids. (click images to enlarge) The Process: Cutting lots of shapes, I discover an Elephant! Final

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-25026336984216339702011-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-30T08:00:09.730-04:00

Here are some recent dinner doodles that I've gotten a kick out of: General May Hem I know people love 'pugs', but I'm always worried they're about to implode.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-75655306713965737232011-09-29T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-29T08:00:03.810-04:00

After a lovely dinner with the Carles the other night, we found ourselves together again for a quick lunch with Eric and the always lovely Bobbie as part of a reciprocal studio tour.  Attached to the business offices, Eric Carle's studio is a joyful romp of color (much like the man himself).  Above his work station, as a reminder, are the lyrics to "It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-11246158677374131032011-09-28T08:00:00.002-04:002011-09-28T15:25:31.643-04:00

I hope you'll be able to join Sam Ostroff and myself this Saturday Oct. 1 at the Eric Carle Museum in Amherst, MA for the installation of The Red Elephant. To whet your appetite, I thought I'd show some process pictures. Working on the trunk. She's big. For scale, with the 3 ft long prototype We've also made a small number of foot long elephants Ready to be

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-21135519198788955842011-09-27T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-27T08:00:16.442-04:00

This weekend included a fun dinner with pals Bobbie and Eric Carle who were in town promoting Eric's beautiful new book, The Man Who Painted a Blue Horse*, and helping fundraising for the Carle Museum. As is tradition when folks come over, they draw on the walls and on the table.  This night, my wife asked me to come up with an theme for the walls.  As I've been drawing lots of vehicles lately,

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-16893909404635220202011-09-26T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-26T08:00:08.373-04:00

Here are some cool new Elephant and Piggie books published in South Korea!   ARE YOU READY TO PLAY OUTSIDE?, MY FRIEND IS SAD, and I LOVE MY NEW TOY! I love the Korean text for "WHAAAAAAA!" Great production & nice layout.  Huzzah!

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-19026851429832091912011-09-23T08:00:00.000-04:002011-11-03T10:12:17.144-04:00

It's been a great month for fun fan mail at the Studio. Here are some favorites! (CLICK TO ENLARGE) This is the sweetest letter of the month.  Still, the answer is 'No'. This one is pretty sweet, too. From WE ARE IN A BOOK! More E+P love! This guy mashed his two favorite singers & two favorite cartoon characters. He also wrote this great gag in one of his hilarious

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-81536777216035488622011-09-22T08:00:00.002-04:002011-09-22T08:00:16.043-04:00

And a bit of sad news from my hometown.  I've just learned that my high school Theater Department head, Kitty Greenberg, has passed away.  Kitty was an enormous influence on a multitude of young people for almost two generations, including the actor Bryan Batt and myself.  Through Kitty I honed skills as a performer and director over at least 20 productions, but more importantly I gained an

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-75712882083783273372011-09-21T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-21T08:00:12.533-04:00

      The folks over at Kirkus Reviews have some nice things to say about Elephant and Piggie's upcoming adventure, HAPPY PIG DAY!, including:   The elements that have made this series so successful and enduring are all present once again: a clean design (white background, lack of extraneous details, large type in word bubbles, etc.), a friendship theme and a satisfying resolution..

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-91614181527457768422011-09-20T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-20T08:00:15.264-04:00

We don't just draw on the walls and table in our dining room.  Sometimes we make a reallllly big game board of a game we invented called "Super Bounce".  It's great fun. As an added bonus, here's a masterpiece by a recent young visitor to Knuffle Manor: His dad was suitably impressed. Why not have a family draw today?

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-13261378090826526492011-09-19T08:00:00.001-04:002011-09-19T08:00:24.564-04:00

Recent arrivals in the ol' mailbag: Simplified Chinese editions of the two Smidgeon of Pigeon board books, THE PIGEON LOVES THINGS THAT GO! and PIGEON'S HAVE FEELINGS TOO! Plus the Simplified Chinese version of LEONARDO THE TERRIBLE MONSTER. They've all be done quite well.  It's fun to have them in my hands.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-58509197080716981832011-09-15T08:00:00.000-04:002011-10-21T08:30:30.617-04:00

I'm off to Pittsburg and New York for my September appearances, so I thought now would be a good time to mention next month's fun events. October is going to be a busy month for public appearances starting right off on October 1st with a very special event: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1 Amherst,MA 11:30am            Sculpture installation, presentation, & signing at THE ERIC CARLE PICTURE BOOK

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-41903224725020469392011-09-14T08:00:00.000-04:002011-09-14T08:00:10.857-04:00

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-6379543557587160212011-09-13T08:36:00.000-04:002011-09-13T08:36:52.395-04:00

The magazine AudioFile, which covers and reviews audio books has a nice interview/profile about my audio book career in their latest issue. You can read it hear (Get it? "Hear"? Heh. Heh. ummm) They've also reviewed all of my audio books. Speaking of reviews, School Library Journal likes Elephant and Piggie's SHOULD I SHARE MY ICE CREAM? They say: Willems’s simple text

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-1837387381970223942011-09-11T08:00:00.003-04:002011-09-11T08:00:06.291-04:00

Here is a comic I wrote 10 years ago included in DC Comic's (out of print) 9-11, The World's Finest Comic Book Writers and Artists Tell Stories to Remember:  (Click on images to enlarge)   It's been a tough decade for humanity, but I do also remember the closeness among New Yorkers in the weeks following 9-11. This is also the first appearance of the semi-fictional Knuffle Bunny family.  A sad

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-5465585844620824912011-09-09T08:00:00.012-04:002011-09-09T08:00:16.676-04:00

The Knuffle Bunny Musical is hitting the road for a final tour before returning to the Kennedy Center in Washington DC for a short Holiday Run.  This is the end of a thrilling ride that began several years back. I hope you'll try to catch a show if it comes to your area and I hope you'll enjoy it.  Don't be shy about getting your tickets sooner rather than later, these performances have been

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-90683170749645075492011-09-08T08:00:00.004-04:002011-09-08T08:00:17.115-04:00

Here's a cool little story about my grandfather, Frans Willems, that I always thought was kind of cool. He was a baker in the town of Nijmegen, Holland, a town on the Rhine that was the location many battles in WWII, including "A Bridge Too Far". After the war, F Willems had to fix the roof of his bakery.  Traditionally you use either black or red tiles, but because of shortages, there weren't

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-17716207332719419622011-09-07T08:00:00.005-04:002011-09-07T08:00:08.007-04:00

It's been a while since I've posted any family dining room doodles, either on the chalkboard walls or the butcher paper table cloth. Here are a few from this summer that we all enjoyed making. Yay Dogs... This dog is not QUITE asleep yet. Not sure what this is, maybe it's class picture day. My wife is all about the ribbon-y patterns.  Lovely. A really lovely character designed by

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-1322215913197359072011-09-06T08:00:00.004-04:002011-09-06T08:00:03.390-04:00

  Today sees the publication of an anthology entitled Dear Bully: 70 Authors Tell Their Stories. The book is a reaction to the suicide of a young girl in the town next to mine who was the victim of intense bullying. I was happy to join a bunch of my pals and contribute "Bully for Me", a short comic strip about my own experiences as a child and teen. The book is not for the very little ones,

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-43625339261548304562011-09-05T08:00:00.002-04:002011-09-05T08:00:01.996-04:00

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-30730632311894395862011-09-02T08:00:00.011-04:002011-09-02T08:00:08.699-04:00

I'm just back at Knuffle Manor after a fun jaunt to the Bay Area visiting family and pals. Hanging with Ginger, my in-law's pup and my best west coast pal. The central professional event was a talk and signing at one of my favorite places, the Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA. This guy flew in from BERLIN to visit me at the Schulz Museum. Not sure if that's disappointment on

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-39136830387078226322011-08-26T08:00:00.024-04:002011-09-01T16:44:43.938-04:00

I'll see you at the Schulz Museum this weekend in Santa Rosa, CA, which reminds me that the fall is coming and I'll be hitting the road for a few, fun visits on the east coast.  Each event will be very different, which is cool. Remember to check with the venue regarding signing policies, etc. and to confirm the schedule.  The information below is the best that I have at the time. Friday

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-36366218113035332602011-08-19T08:00:00.009-04:002011-08-19T08:00:00.662-04:00

I'm off to California to see family and friends and, if you're in Sonoma County, YOU at the Charles Schulz Museum on Sunday June 28 at 1pm.  But don't be afraid to show up early. The museum is awesome and they'll be showing some of my animated cartoons before the reading and serving free Ice Cream (while supplies last) in honor of Elephant and Piggie's SHOULD I SHARE MY ICE CREAM?  I'll also be

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-1512303494337370172011-08-12T08:00:00.064-04:002011-08-15T14:43:43.311-04:00

Lots of news and bits this week.  Let's start with some dinner doodles and chalkboard wall drawings from a few recent guests. Old pals David Wain and Ken Marino stopped by Knuffle Manor for some R and R while putting finishing touches on an upcoming film they wrote (David is directing).  I've known (and in David's case worked with) these guys since 1987 and had dropped by the set when on tour

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-49981875181214931612011-08-05T08:00:00.009-04:002011-08-05T08:00:10.358-04:00

Here are few cool Pigeon games that have come through the studio lately: The Pigeon Match-ominos.  Matching game and dominos. You KNOW I love the Pigeon Bands! The Pigeon Wants a Puzzle! 4 different Pigeon-y puzzles in a wood box! Huzzah! You can find Pigeon games and toys at your favorite store, or at areyougame.com.  If you don't see all of the stuff on their site yet, contact

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-70544068477837628292011-07-29T08:00:00.018-04:002011-07-29T08:00:19.124-04:00

I've been working on a metal piece (interrupted by travel) for a while now and finally completed it last week. I'd asked previously to guess what it is.   Who said, "Fire-Pit"? Who said, "Fire-Pit With Multiple Personality Disorder"?   Who said, "Fire-Pit That Can Double as a Grill"? Yup, makin' 'Smores.  The hands on the side of the the Fire Monster hold the marshmallow sticks...

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-19372043887090732482011-07-22T08:00:00.004-04:002011-07-22T08:00:16.666-04:00

It's been a busy week at the studio, although I've had some time to do this: The mystery piece is almost finished...  Here are some other highlights from outside the studio: Thanks to you, Elephant and Piggie's latest adventure, SHOULD I SHARE MY ICE CREAM? spends its 4th week on the New York Times Bestseller list at #5.  Thanks, you. The Cleveland Plain Dealer has nice things to say

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-12370110861088419132011-07-15T08:00:00.000-04:002011-07-15T08:00:23.710-04:00

Summer hours begin here at Mo Willems Doodles, which means that I'll try to post something at the end of each week until fall. So, why not start them off with a big, old mess of fan mail favorites! Let's start off with some Pigeon story ideas: (as always, you can click on them to enlarge)     Here are some great Pigeon drawings: Perhaps my favorite Pigeon drawing of all time.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-8535705011051647512011-07-14T08:00:00.020-04:002011-07-14T08:00:19.746-04:00

August will be a light month in terms of appearances so I can focus on some pentanque work. On Sunday, August 28th at 1pm I will be speaking and signing at the fantastic Charles Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, CA I've visited the museum twice and the staff and Jeannie Schulz couldn't be nicer.  It's a real temple to cartooning. Please do drop by if you're in the neighborhood. The schedule

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-58652972869270784122011-07-13T08:00:00.003-04:002011-07-13T08:00:00.944-04:00

Readers in the state of Virginia can vote for their favorite kids book to be awarded the CARDOZO AWARD FOR CHILDREN’S LITERATURE. I'm happy to say that CITY DOG, COUNTRY FROG is among the very impressive candidates. Nelson says, "Vote City Dog!  Woof!" If you read in Virgina, vote here! (polls close in August)

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-49373417998542812562011-07-12T08:00:00.006-04:002011-07-12T08:42:37.353-04:00

The Horn Book gives HOORAY FOR AMANDA AND HER ALLIGATOR! its 4th starred review, saying: "Willems knows how to keep things interesting and his audience engaged. In short episodic chapters, he develops his characters and their relationship, balancing moments both funny and moving." (The whole review is here). I hope you get a chance to read the book and enjoy it as well! Thanks also to the

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-39109558446517788912011-07-11T08:00:00.003-04:002011-07-11T09:27:45.746-04:00

Elephant and Piggie spend another week with TWO books on the NYTimes Bestseller list! SHOULD I SHARE MY ICE CREAM? is #4 and WE ARE IN A BOOK! is #9 Huzzah!  Elephant and Piggie thank you for your support! Here's a nice article from Salem.net that shows some of that lovely support.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-73836371252052021232011-07-08T08:00:00.003-04:002011-07-08T08:00:15.737-04:00

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-5319249142042486782011-07-07T08:00:00.003-04:002011-07-07T08:00:12.486-04:00

I sat down yesterday with local radio hosts Bill Newman and Monte Belmonte for a fun chat about books, naming rights for sandwiches, and more.  Take a listen here (interview starts at the 32:30 mark). Now, for a doodle.  Not one of mine (you can tell because it's so much better), but from my pal New Yorker illustrator Peter DeSeve of the two of us engaged in my favorite (and now his favorite)

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-9086377889645247062011-07-06T08:00:00.005-04:002011-07-06T10:26:37.994-04:00

It's been quite a busy couple of weeks since last I posted. The family and I drove down from Northampton to New Orleans for this year's ALA Conference, but before we left I had a chance to meet & hear Tomi Ungerer speak at the Eric Carle Museum, where a retrospective is currently on exhibit.  It's a great show, you should go (also the Barbara McClintock show in the middle gallery is amazing).  A

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-64760992743698256352011-06-17T08:47:00.003-04:002011-06-17T08:47:01.264-04:00

On a road-trip down to 'Nawlins and back.  I'll be visiting pals and making stops in Savannah, GA and New Orleans for signings.  I'll also be at ALA for a few events. Posts will return, when I do, in July, but I'm sure The_Pigeon will continue tweeting while I'm away. Here's a quick article in the Savannah paper about my upcoming visit.

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-91312541062420008392011-06-16T08:00:00.002-04:002011-06-16T08:00:08.258-04:00

You'll find out when I finish it in July...

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5508939844525329535.post-74217946949421268982011-06-15T08:00:00.005-04:002011-06-15T10:27:19.246-04:00

Monday I had great fun as a guest lecturer for pal Rebecca Guay's Illustration Master Class along with pal Peter DeSeve and James Gurney (from whom I stole a few of this post's images). Rebecca Guay, Peter DeSeve, & myself with Chinese takout boxes. It was much more fun that I could have imagined.  The students were top notch and nice as could be.  Among the faculty were pals like Scott

Mohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12224051327867343365noreply@blogger.com