I have a bit of a creative crush on Mo Willems. He’s witty, a master of comedic timing, and a fun animator who uses the bold, angular lines I’m attracted to. If I could draw something better than a smiley face, I’d want to draw exactly like Mo Willems.
We’re big fans of pretty much anything he writes around here. We can’t get enough of the Elephant and Piggie series. Ditto the Knuffle Bunny trilogy. My daughter adores the Cat the Cat books.
The first time I read Knuffle Bunny, I loved it. Know what else? That Laundromat where Trixie loses Knuffle Bunny is the exactly same Laundromat where I used to wash my underwear in Park Slope. Who knows, I probably cleaned my skivies next to Mo Willems one day without even knowing it.
My kids favorite book of his is the Pigeon series, because it allows my kids to interact with the book, have a conversation (albeit with a persistent feathered animal) and laugh as well.
But did you know that the Pigeon series has been brought to life? Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late and More Stories by Mo Willems gets released on DVD August 27th. All three stories have an option for read-along prompts at the bottom of the screen, making it perfect for your budding reader.
The animated cartoon of his beloved books are just as funny and engaging as the books themselves.
In Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late, the bus driver charges the audience with making sure the pigeon doesn’t miss his bedtime. Since school started for us last week, this video resonated with my kids who are having a hard time transitioning to earlier curfews.
I loved hearing a voice to the pigeon. Watching him resist going to sleep in all of his silly antics was hilarious, and my kids cackled and giggled like crazy at his dramatic yawning. The interaction the penguin has with his audience is captivating, like watching a stand-up comic.
Also on the DVD is Knufle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion. It opens with an illustrated version of Trixie’s family opening up the actual book and going through the pictures that adorn the liner. I was tickled, because the dialogue between Mo and Trixie? That’s exactly how I go through the cover pages of the book with my kids.
In this story of Willems’, Trixie loses her favorite stuffed animal, Knufle Bunny, on a plane to Germany and has to overcome her grief and sadness. Every parent has probably experienced this trauma, the loss of their child’s favorite lovey. It’s heartbreaking and maddening.
And if you’ve ever wanted to know what the real Trixie looks like, you get to see her in real life at the end of the story with Mo and his wife.
Edwina, the Dinosaur Who Didn’t Know She Was Extinct is another favorite Willems book of ours. It’s about a lovely dinosaur that makes the best chocolate chip cookies, and Reginald, a kid who is determined to stomp her buzz and let her know she shouldn’t be around. You know this type of kid, right? Or maybe even this type of adult? The one that always has to be right, the one that always puts a negative stamp on everything?
Except that Edwina’s kindness and compassion wins Reginald over in this adorable tale. And I can’t love the loungy music that accompanies this story enough. You may just find yourself snapping your fingers and singing “Edwina…Edwina!” all afternoon.
And! As a bonus feature! Edwina’s recipe for chocolate chip cookies is included in the extras! Edwina herself actually talks you through the recipe like a pro- Food Network star.
Also in the DVD Extras, Mo Willems talks a bit about his characters and illustration, and even sketches out a pigeon for us.
If you’re looking for a great DVD and something that will tickle your kids’ funny bone, look no further.
I love this DVD so much, I’m giving a copy away to a lucky winner!
And because I’m feeling generous, I’m giving away another fabulous DVD. Look at me, all Bob Barker and everything.
One lucky winner will get a bonus DVD, Children Make Terrible Pets…and More Stories About Family, featuring the beloved book by Pete Brown about a young bear that brings home a human to keep as a pet. Other illustrated books by Liz Garton Scanlon, Lois Lowry and Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen are also included in the DVD.
All you have to do to enter is fill out the Rafflecopter widget below by Friday, August 30 at 11:59pm EST. Open to contiguous U.S. residents only.
Good luck! And remember… Don’t let the pigeon stay up late!
I was provided a copy of these products for review purposes. All opinions are 100% completely my own.
I don’t have one.
Too many to choose from?
We love Mo Willems around here, too–especially Elephant and Piggie. My boys would love to see the animated version–I’ll have to hunt one down!
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I’m sure they’d get a kick out of it! And I have to admit, I wanted to watch it again and again, just like my kids. Good luck on the giveaway!
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
A classic!
My fav is “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!”
One of the greats!
My son loves Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus! He laughs so hard
Thanks for the opportunity!
It’s such a cute and funny book. That silly pigeon…
The Duckling Gets a Cookie, We are Being Read, and Knuffle Bunny
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GREAT list! I certainly love Willems’ range.
I’d pick
Should I Share My Ice Cream?
I adore the Elephant and Piggie books. And they’re great for new readers too.
knuffle bunny
Still one of my all-time favorites!
I like the book, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, as it’s over-sized and has great illustrations.
It’s a great book, and I love that my older child AND my younger child enjoy it.
The Pigeon Wants a Puppy is my favorite.
Excellent choice!
We don’t have any Mo Willems books, but I have seen so much about them! We definitely need to remember to get some from the library next time! My boys would love that crazy pigeon!
Don’t Let The Pigeon Ride the Bus
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus!!
I’ve never read any Mo Willems books to my great niece and great nephew but it sounds like they would love them
I like the We Are in a Book.
my favorite is Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!