Mo Willems Author Study

Mo Willems is best known for his hilarious books about the simple character Pigeon. Willems is an excellent author to study for young children in kindergarten or 1^st grade. As a school librarian, Mo Willems is one of my favorite authors to study with young children because they find his books funny and engaging.

About the Author. Mo Willems wasn't always a children's author and illustrator. His career begin as an animator and writer in Hollywood, even winning 6 Emmy awards for his work on Sesame Street. Willems' books have won two Caldecott Honor awards. Willems is a visual artist with multiple showings in art galleries in and around New York City. Mo currently lives in Massachusetts with his family.

Best Books. Since Mo Willems only begin writing a few years ago, his bibliography isn't quite as long as some other author-illustrators. Willems still has some stand-outs though when it comes to his books. All of the Pigeon series, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!, and Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! are my favorites. Other top choices include Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale and Knuffle-Bunny Too.

Learning Activities. There are plenty of great learning activities that go along with a Mo Willems author study. First of all, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late is a great picture book for teaching young children about persuasive writing. Read the book to students then have them write persuasive sentences explaining why their parents or grandparents should get them something they really want. Discuss persuasive language and how that is different from informative language.

Another great learning activity to use during a Mo Willems author study is to help Mo Willems out with some great title ideas. Students can come up with their very own sequels such as Don't Let the Pigeon Eat Peanuts or Don't Let the Pigeon Listen to Rock Music. Have the students illustrate their book covers and hang the sequel ideas all together on display.

Mo Willems has an entire teacher guide for his Pigeon books available at his website Pigeon Presents. There are printable coloring sheets and posters as well. There is even a drawing guide to teach kids how to draw Pigeon himself!

Mo Willems is such a fun author study for young children and his books really lend themselves to some wonderful learning activities. You will enjoy teaching a Mo Willems author study just as much as your kids love learning it.

Sources: www.pigeonpresents.com

www.mowillems.com

http://www.pigeonpresents.com/activities/pigeon_draw02.pdf (direct link to How to Draw Pigeon printable)