- Comedy
- Picture Books
- Ages 2–8
The shape of it
One universe, several ways in.
Mo Willems is the American writer-illustrator behind two of the most successful early-reader and picture-book franchises of the last twenty years: the Elephant & Piggie early-readers (25+ books, Theodor Seuss Geisel Awards) and the Pigeon picture books (Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and successors). Willems is a former Sesame Street writer; the books are built like sketch comedy, visible breath beats, perfect comic timing, very little extraneous text. Pigeon's neuroses and Elephant & Piggie's deep friendship are both genuinely funny and emotionally true. Strong, durable, very re-readable.
One of contemporary early-reading's two essential authors. Elephant & Piggie for newly-independent readers; Pigeon for read-aloud comedy.
Primary themes
Tone palette
- Funny
- Warm
- Silly
- Gentle
Two series inside
Pick a way in.
Elephant & Piggie
Best for 4–7 newly-independent readers, pure dialogue, perfect comic timing, deeply warm friendship.
Books
1 of 25Ages
4–7Status
Complete- Funny
- Warm
- Silly
- Gentle
Pigeon
Best for 3–6 read-aloud, the Pigeon's tantrums and bargaining are funny on the hundredth reading.
Books
8Ages
3–6Status
Ongoing- Funny
- Silly
- Irreverent
- Whimsical
Cultural footprint
A shelf of evidence.
What Mo Willems has done
- Bestseller list
- Major award winner
Cultural ubiquity
5/ 5Household name — recognised across generations.
Sensitivity
Low, and collection-wide.
Across the collection
All 9 books.
About the creator