Big Kid Pick: Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs

I know it's hard to believe, really hard, but I picked this picture book up and read it without realizing who the author was. Seriously. I knew Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs was my Big Kid's Pick by the last page and then continued laughing when I turned back to the cover and discovered the brilliance, again, was Mo. (How did I not recognize the illustrations? I don't know.)

You have to love three dinosaurs visiting from Norway, who go Someplace Else and don't wait for an unsuspecting kid to come by, a "poorly supervised" Goldilocks. She eats three bowls of chocolate pudding, finds three chairs which are too tall, and finally discovers she's in a dinosaur home.

There are echoes of James Marshall throughout this gem. I absolutely loved this work. Don't miss it! It's one of my favorites of 2012. Thanks, Mo!

Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
by Mo Willems
Balzer + Bray, HarperCollins

May Pick for the Older Sibling: The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

It is incredible. The duckling gets a cookie just by asking for it. Politely, of course. The older siblings of your totz are going to smile, giggle, and laugh at the pigeon, who is once again incredulous over the way the world works.

As I always say, Mo is the master. While his body of works grows, I'm continually amazed and thankful he is a voice in children's literature.

Enjoy The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? Then, with your family, bake a batch. With and without nuts.


The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?
by Mo Willems
Hyperion Book, 2012

More, More, More: Elephant and Piggie

Not that Gerald and Piggie need more press, but I have to share these two!

What do you do when it's Happy Pig Day and you are not a pig? When you don't belong whatsoever? Piggie helps Gerald find his place on the important day of celebration.

Secondly, what do you do when you just can't really bring yourself to share? By the time you've given yourself a little pep talk, maybe there's nothing left to share at all! Again, Piggie saves the day for Gerald, who really was going to share in the first place. Eventually.

Mo is the master of expression, simplicity, and heart. I am such a fan.

Happy Pig Day!
Should I Share My Ice Cream?
by Mo Willems
Hyperion, DBG, 2011

Photo Friday: I Am Going!

For all the parents of totz, enjoy the day, hour, moment. I just dropped my youngest off at Washington State University. In the bookstore, she found and read aloud Mo Willems for me. Nothing better for a smile. Thanks, Ellen, and thanks, Mo!

Happy Photo Friday!

Let's Say HI to Friends Who Fly! by Mo Willems

I'm so, so happy that our totz can enjoy Mo Willems, along with their older early reader siblings. Balzer + Bray's Cat the Cat collection is perfect with spot-on content and stiff pages for little fingers.

In Let's Say HI to Friends Who Fly!, Cat the Cat asks her friends if they can fly, and then she cheers on their successful soarings. Bee, Duck, and Bat definitely fly. But what about Rhino the Rhino who just happens to be sitting atop a boingy park ride, shaped like Pigeon? Can Rhino fly? Your totz will enjoy the humor which is always delivered by Mo.

Find Cat the Cat, and be ready for a giggle. Totz will memorize the simple text and love Mo's next generation of friends.

Let's Say HI to Friends Who Fly!
by Mo Willems
Balzer + Bray, 2010

Cat the Cat Who is THAT? by Mo Willems

So who has been waiting for Mo's work to reach our youngest readers? Mo for totz? ME! And the day is here!

Balzer & Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing, has published a Cat the Cat series for newborns to age 5. Larger than a traditional board book, the works have extra thick pages and simple, large text.

readertotz can begin to recognize characters, friends of Cat the Cat. While early readers will begin to sound out and sightread repeated phrases. Everyone will enjoy Mo's humor and the encouragement to reach out and make new friends.

You'll recognize Mo's illustrations with a varied black outline and flat color spaces. The palate is subdued a few values but maintains vibrancy.

Enjoy Cat the Cat Who is That? with me. Your totz will love it. Then look for others in the series!

Blarggie, blarggie!

Watch an interview here! "Just because you are very young doesn't mean you don't have a sense of humor."

Cat the Cat Who is THAT?
by Mo Willems
Balzer & Bray, 2010

January Pick for the Older Sibling: Mo Willems, My Friend is Sad

I LOVE ELEPHANT AND PIGGIE! Honestly. So, for your readertotz' older sibling, I'm excited to recommend My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems.



Restraining myself from commenting on any of his other award winning books, let's talk Gerald Elephant and Piggie, this generation's George and Martha by James Marshall.

When Piggie finds his friend sad, he goes to great measures to cheer him up. He dresses as a cowboy, clown, and a robot. Gerald fails to recognize Piggie so his sadness increases as he believes his close friend is missing all of these amazing encounters.

Piggie, who is impetuous and bold, has far more self control than I do. He never tells Elephant it was he all along. He merely tells him, "I am here NOW!" That is awe inspiring maturity. :~)



To the art. Every line of these characters performing in white negative space communicates emotion. Every beat, including the silent ones, are perfectly timed. Piggie looks to the reader with his irritation, and one can't help laughing. As Elephant sinks deeper and deeper in sadness, his mouth shrivels and the lines about his eyes increase. Mo's lines win my heart.

Inside Scoop
Mo began as a writer and animator for Sesame Street where he garnered six Emmy Awards. You can visit Mo Willems Doodles Blogspot. And watch this awesome video where Mo talks about his work. Take note: he loves Elephant and Piggie best, just like me!



And then check out Bookie Woogie's review of two other Elephant and Piggie Books. Bookie Woogie rocks!

For the Older Sibling
My Friend is Sad
by Mo Willems
Hyperion, 2007

Lorie Ann Grover, author/illustrator