Author Mo Willems, Geisel Medal Winner 2009
By Michele Reutty, MLS
Director, Oakland Public Library
Titles Suggested by Children’s Librarian Debbie Pfeuffer, MLS
Did you know children’s literature has its own Superstars?
#1 New York Times Bestselling author and illustrator Mo Willems’ books, animated cartoons, and television writing have garnered six Emmy Awards, three Caldecott Honors, two Geisel Medals, the Carnegie Medal for film, and dozens of fans in the tri-state area.
As one reviewer said, aside from the friendship theme that appears throughout Willems’ work, he continues to create astonishing emotional depth using the simplest of facial expressions.”
Most beginning readers are familiar with Knuffle Bunny, Knuffle Bunny, Too and Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, but I’d like to recommend the “Elephant and Piggy” series for wonderful lessons in friendship and charming line drawings in, what else…gray and pink!
My Friend is Sad
Ever wonder what you can do to change a sad person’s mood? Piggie tries everything she can think of to cheer up her best friend, Gerald the elephant. Sometimes it just takes a different way of looking at things. By time you are done reading this beginning reader, you’ll be smiling, too.
There is a Bird on Your Head!
If Gerald is worried about one bird on his head, how is he going to keep his cool when the bird finds a mate and builds a nest? (And you know what’s coming next…) As usual with Mo Willems’s books, there’s a hoot of an ending.
I am Invited to a Party
Piggy and Gerald get an invitation to a party, but what kind of a party is it…a fancy dress party? A fancy dress pool party? A fancy dress pool costume party? They dress for every eventuality, except the obvious. Another charming book in a charming series.